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. 

Mark and Lori established Rolling Hills Vineyard in 2016. Their focus is on Italian and French varietals, based on their family heritage, with a more fruit forward style. Mark graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fresno State University. After becoming a CPA, Mark went to law school and became a practicing attorney until 1997. In 1997, Mark accepted an executive position with a privately held group of companies that had business holdings in manufacturing, construction, property management and insurance. After 7 years, Mark left his position, and Mark and Lori purchased Cleanup and Total Restoration of Idaho in 2003. Since both of their families have been involved in agricultural industries their entire life, Mark and Lori seized the opportunity to fulfill their long term dream of growing wine grapes and making wine. Mark is continuing to expand his passion for learning by studying enology at UC Davis and learning on a daily basis in their Eagle Foothills vineyard.

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.

Scott and Denise moved to Star establishing Sol Invictus Vineyard in 2015 with a focus on developing an impressive boutique winery advancing Idaho’s wine country significance. The Sol Invictus vision is to specialize in exceptional small lot production wine united with an enriched customer experience. Scott is an Idaho Native who went off to see the world through a 26-year military career. After falling in love with the various vineyards and wineries around the world, the Smith family returned to Idaho to turn their passion into a reality. Scott studied, and continues learning, viticulture and enology through Washington State University with an eye towards growing high quality fruit and producing premium wines. When not working in the vineyard or operating the winery, Scott continues to serve the citizens of Idaho through his fiscal duties in state government.

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.

Jake got his start growing wine grapes for Alder Ridge Vineyards and Canoe Ridge Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in Washington State. However, the call to home was too great and he moved back to Idaho to grow grapes. He currently works at Skyline and Sawtooth vineyards and provides viticulture consulting for area growers. Jake received his B.S. and M.S from Boise State (Go Broncos!). His M.S. focused on cold-hardiness of winegrapes. If Jake is not in the vineyard or the winery you can find him cooking, reading, or spending time with his children in the outdoors.