Our Sol Invictus Family

Scott & Denise, The Smiths

Scott

Owner, winemaker, vineyard manager

A local Idaho native, Scott joined the Air Force after high school and is a combat veteran with a 26-year career in the military. Beginning from an amazing assignment in Germany, Scott and Denise have traveled extensively often seeking out local vineyards and wineries. Their affinity to pursue a home complete with the vineyard landscape led them create Sol Invictus Vineyard in Idaho. Through collegiate viticulture and enology studies, along with the support of mentors, Scott has turned a once hobby winemaking operation into a small-scale boutique winery and vineyard. With the tremendous patience and support of his immeasurably talented wife, Scott continues to serve the state of Idaho as a Deputy to the State Controller.

Hobbies: Vineyard management, experimenting with wine grapes, hunting, traveling, being around his kids

Denise

Owner, tasting room manager, furniture mover, quality control, interior designer, you name it – she does it!

Denise grew up in a small farming town in northern Illinois – population 850! She headed off to the Air Force at 18 and spent 20 years on active duty before retiring. She wasn’t finished serving our country, so she spent another 17 years as a Department of Defense civilian. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development. She met and married her amazing husband Scott in Germany over 30 years ago. They have three incredible adult children, Sarina, Zach, and Jaxon plus two gregarious granddaughters, Ryan and Paige.

Hobbies: Travel, interior decorating, community service

Scott & Denise can be contacted at scott@solinvictusvineyard.com.

Tara, Seasonal Tasting Room Server

Unfortunately, we don’t get to see Tara as often as we like. She and her husband are raising their two boys, traveling, and staying extremely busy but we can always count on her to help at the big events at the Riverhouse. We hope to open more days per week and have Tara back on a regular basis sharing her beautiful smile and vivacious personality with our guests.

Bottling Crew, Tim & Will

We can’t forget the remaining core members of our Washington travel team and bottling crew! We couldn’t do what we do without Tim and Will . Thankfully, their gracious spouses Cathy Jo and Michelle loan them to us from time-to-time. We are so grateful for the love and support we receive. We’re not sure how we got so lucky but feel like we won the lottery when we moved to Idaho and opened Sol Invictus Vineyard!

Nick, Assistant Wine Maker

Our assistant wine maker, bottling scheduler/crew, and vineyard management. Nick is attending the Washington State viticulture program and has taken the lead to make sure wine production stays on track while Scott has been working long hours with the State. Nick is married to our favorite postal carrier the lovely Miss Lee. They have two rambunctious boys who can usually be found somewhere on property. They also have a grown daughter who works for Scott as a State employee.

Mindy, Tasting Room Lead

Our true-blue Seahawks fan! Mindy comes to us from Washington State. She is incredible! She’s a force for all that is good and right with this crazy world today. Not only does she work three jobs, raise two girls with her husband Ian, but she makes time for friends, family, and most importantly her faith. God bless.

Dana, Tasting Room Lead

Retired educator and all-around amazing woman. She has a kind word and easy smile for everyone. Originally from California, we are fortunate to have scooped her up to be on our team. She and her husband Michael have two daughters. Dana comes from a big family and is making it bigger by adopting all of us at Sol Invictus. We just love her!

Jami, BFF & Seasonal Tasting Room Server

BFF of the Smiths for 10 years and counting. She is married to Joe, The Irish Barber, and they have two grown sons. Jami is FIERCE! Do not get between her and someone messing with someone she loves, someone who can’t defend themselves, or a medical emergency (she’s a nurse). She has helped us grow and make things better for our guests. Unruly guests – not on her watch!

Emma, Tasting Room Server

A Boise State University Junior majoring in geophysics. She hopes to intern this summer with NASA studying rocks on Mars. If you get her talking about geology, we won’t get any work out of her! She’s an incredibly intelligent young woman with a bright future, a kind heart, and a thirst for trying new things. Many of us envy her energy. Scott & Denise might be a little biased since she’s dating their son, Jaxon!

Chrissy, Tasting Room Server

Chrissy is our down-to-earth, no muss, no fuss gal. She has three great kiddos that she loves to the moon and back. She has a huge heart and a practical mind. She believes in earning a living and not taking a handout but would give you the shirt off her back if she thought you needed it. The best part is Chrissy cares, but she’ll tell you you’re being a dumba$$. Gotta love that kind of honesty.

Liv, Tasting Room Server & Social Media Manager

Wife, mother, retired law enforcement, and now tasting room staff and social media manager! This strong, independent woman can do it all! She and her husband, Daniel, have two of the cutest little boys you will ever meet.  I think Sol Invictus gets all the best peeps that California has to offer.  Liv is organized, creative, and driven. She fits in seamlessly with our team and culture.

Lauren, Tasting Room Server

Our Boise State Senior! Lauren is graduating in May with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. We can’t say for sure, but she may use what she learns in class on the job. We are so excited to see what the future holds for her and her beau, Cylus. She’s looking at Master’s programs and we have no doubt that this talented young lady can do anything she sets her mind to.