Team

Moya Shatz Dolsby believes in change. She believes in it because she has seen it first-hand in the wine industry here in Idaho; the change in awareness from consumers, a change in attitude from other industry and restaurant folks, and a change in the quality of the wine itself.

Tasked with marketing and promoting all Idaho wineries and wine growers, Dolsby travels all over the country spreading the news about—and sampling—Idaho wine. There is nothing more inspiring than having someone ask her to try some Idaho wine for the very first time. Trained in communication from The University of Washington,

Dolsby started her wine journey as the event manager for the Washington Wine Commission, where she focused on developing and executing local and national events. When presented with a new challenge of helping to promote Idaho wines, Dolsby knew she couldn’t refuse: the opportunity to change an industry was staring her in the face. When not out changing the perception of an entire industry, Dolsby enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her husband, two sons and four dogs.Short and sweet: Master delegator, fashion addict, early riser, food lover.

Office nickname: “The Mom”

Favorite Variety: Viognier

With a degree in Hospitality Business Management from Washington State University, Smith began her wine career at the Idaho Wine Commission as an intern, moving up through the ranks along the way. She has evolved her position to be the operations & financial gal of the office, keeping all the trains on the track while managing financials and grants. She enjoys being in an industry that is ever growing and evolving but still sees winemakers in the tasting rooms always willing to teach a consumer about wine. She loves how wine brings people together, whether they are learning about it or simply enjoying a glass. In her free time Smith enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog kids exploring the outdoors of the Gem State!

Multitasking extraordinaire, people person, mother of two, and lover of a glass of Idaho Tempranillo. Originally from the great state of South Dakota, Ashlee moved to Boise nearly a decade ago to start her beverage journey in the beer industry. But since joining the Idaho Wine Commission team, wine has won her heart. In fact, Ashlee holds a WSET 1 certification and is a Leadership Idaho Agriculture graduate. 

Ashlee puts all these smarts to good use by planning the educational seminars throughout the year, creating agendas for media visits, and responding to the many communications IWC gets every day from customers and industry professionals alike. For her, no two days are the same. She loves her team, traveling with her family, and sending notes to friends and family via snail mail. 

For Juls, wine isn’t just a job. It’s a passion. She completed her Introductory Sommelier Certificate through the Court of Master Sommeliers in May of 2023—the same month she joined the Idaho Wine Commission as an administrative assistant. 

Juls wears a lot of hats. She’s our go-to for managing Commission Meetings, donation requests, yearly member reports, brand loyalty, winery tour brochure management and distribution, and more. Juls keeps our office running smoothly and ensures all our special projects and events have the support they need.

Prior to joining the Idaho Wine Commission, Juls gained experience in the industry as both an event and hospitality manager at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards and a server at Dude DeWalt Cellars. She has a B.A. in Sociology from California State University Northridge, is a certified yoga instructor, and will tell you all about her time as her high school’s mascot if you pour her a glass of Malbec or Gamay. When she’s not wearing all the hats at the office or studying wine, you can find Juls doing what she loves most—spending time with her husband and daughter. 

Jay and his wife Shelly own Lanae Ridge Vineyard LLC. located in the Sunnyslope region of Canyon County. He retired from Micron Technology in 2018 after 35 years with the company. While at Micron, he held various leadership positions including Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Consumer Products. He also served in the roles of President of Micron Italy, Micron Japan and also served as Director of Micron Semiconductor Asia.
Jay has served on the Boise State University Foundation Board, the Boise State President’s Advisory Board,, Bronco Athletic Association, Micron Technology Foundation and Boise Public Schools Education Foundation. In 2015, Jay received the Boise State University Distinguished Alumni Award. He recently served as an Adjunct Executive Instructor in the Boise State Executive MBA Program. Jay and Shelly are members of the Lyle Smith Society at Boise State. He has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Boise State University.

James and Sydney started SCORIA Vineyards in 2014 with their first planting of Malbec and Petit Verdot. After growing up on their family farms in the Snake River Valley, they wanted to enter a new facet of agriculture with wine grapes, and wine production. James graduated with a degree in Accounting and Finance from Boise State, and managed his family’s farms and finances until 2018. From the beginning, SCORIA was able to partner with Koenig Vineyards to produce their initial wines. This great relationship led to the acquisition of Koenig Vineyards in 2019, which greatly expanded James’ opportunities in the wine industry. Together, they have 46 acres of grapes and partner with some of the best vineyards in Idaho for their two brands. James enjoys being able to run their vineyards and wine production facilities with Sydney and their two young daughters, who work with them daily.

Martin co-founded Fujishin in 2009 with Teresa Moye and serves as the Winemaker for both Fujishin Family Cellars and their sister brand, Free Dog Wines.

He started his career in the wine industry working the tasting room from Koenig Winery in 2003, and as Vineyard Manager for Bitner Vineyards from 2006-2008.  He taught the Viticulture and Enology program at Treasure Valley Community College from 2009 to 2013.  He also worked for a neighboring winery, Koenig, as Assistant Winemaker from 2006 to 2019.

Martin holds a BA in Business Administration from the College of Idaho and received winemaking training from UC Davis.

When he has spare time, he enjoys gardening, remodeling projects with Teresa and foodie travels.

Melissa Sanborn is a Pacific Northwest native. Originally from Washington state, she graduated from Western Washington University with a B.S. in Chemistry. After a career as an analytical chemist, she changed paths and ventured to Washington State University to study viticulture and enology. During graduate school, she and her husband, Mike, purchased an abandoned vineyard in Juliaetta, Idaho, where they now operate their estate winery and 30 acres of wine-grapevines. When time allows they enjoy escaping to the mountains to ski, bike, or hike with their 3 daughters.

Veer Wine Project – 2024 Idaho Winery of the Year
Will Wetmore, the dynamic force behind Veer Wine Project, brings a blend of creativity, expertise, and passion to the Idaho wine industry. As the Owner and Winemaker of the 2024 Idaho Winery of the Year, Will’s innovative approach and commitment to excellence have set him apart as a leading figure in the field.

A graduate of the University of Redlands in 2010 with a major in Biology and a minor in Spanish, Will’s academic journey included a transformative study abroad experience in Spain. His career in winemaking began in 2014 with Hat Ranch Winery, marking the start of his impactful presence in Idaho’s wine scene.

Will further honed his craft through the Enology Certification program at Washington State University from 2016 to 2018, and expanded his horizons with a stint in New Zealand in 2019. The Veer Wine Project, founded in 2016, reached a significant milestone in 2021 with the opening of its Caldwell production space and tasting room, earning the title of 2021 Idaho Winery to Watch.

Veer Wine Project has since garnered numerous accolades, including Best of Show at both the 2023 and 2024 Cascadia Wine Competitions, and the 2024 Idaho Wine Competition. In spring 2024, Will expanded the project’s reach with the opening of a new tasting room in Garden City.

Beyond his role at Veer Wine Project, Will offers consulting and contract winemaking services, sharing his extensive knowledge and unique perspective with others in the industry. Known for his quirky and creative approach, Will is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Will resides in Boise with his wife Jaclyn, a Boise native and college peer, and their two children, Ngaire and Ren. His personal and professional journey is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and the vibrant future of Idaho’s wine industry.