Our Team
James Moss, Winemaker & Proprietor
A native of Dallas, Texas, James Moss first discovered his passion for fine wine while working for a Texas-based distributor. His career frequently took him to Napa Valley for professional education, where he fell in love with the industry.
James’ winemaking journey began in the trenches, assisting a friend at a small winery. It was there that he first grasped the immense complexity and commitment required to produce award-winning wine. He faced the internal challenge of whether a Black man from Texas could truly succeed in the competitive Napa landscape. Today, the answer is a resounding “yes.” With over 15 years of 90+ point scores from major wine critics, James remains steadfast in his goal of crafting world-class wines.
As the winemaker for J Moss, James is involved in every step of the process. He hand-selects the premium vineyards where the grapes are sourced, serves as the welcoming host at the J Moss tasting room, and personally manages the market—hand-selling his wines to top-tier restaurants and retailers across Northern California, Texas, Hawaii, and beyond. James isn’t just producing wine; he is living his dream.
Janet Moss, originally from Boston, moved to California in 1990 and began her career at the renowned Domaine Carneros. During her ten-year tenure as Business and Human Resources Manager, she studied wine at Napa Valley College, ultimately earning her winemaking and viticulture degree in 1999, an achievement that proved vital in building J. Moss.
Today, Janet manages the winery’s day-to-day operations and handles various essential roles to keep the business running smoothly. As the “glue” of the organization, she also serves as a welcoming hostess in the J. Moss tasting room. Her versatility and dedication are vital to the winery’s continued growth and success.
Janet Moss, Business Manager & Proprietor
Westley Moss, Cellar Master
After being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and competing in minor league baseball, Westley Moss returned to the University of Nevada, Reno, to complete his degree. Today, he balances a dynamic career that mirrors his father’s relentless work ethic, holding key roles in both the corporate beverage world and the family craft.
By day, Westley holds a executive full-time position with a major beverage company. In the cellar, he serves as a cornerstone of J Moss Wines. Westley is a true jack-of-all-trades and when needed, will assist in the winemaking and bottling to market sales and tasting room operations.
Ryan Wiliams born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley and is a hospitality veteran. He began his career with his own catering business, Wiliams & Wynn in 2003. In 2007 he attended the wine program at Professional Culinary Institute led by Master Sommelier David Glancy and achieved his Certified Sommelier through Court of Masters Sommeliers.
Ryan worked as Assistant Wine Director and Wine Director at Ana Mandara Restaurant, San Francisco and also as the Assistant General Manager/ Wine Director of Dixie Restaurant in the Presidio in San Francisco, CA. His career then took him to HALL Wines, Napa, CA as a wine educator, winery sommelier and trade host and then Visitor Center Manager. He went on to the position of Northern California District Manager and later as the Western District Manager. Ryan is currently working in wine sales and wine education with J. Moss Wines in Napa.
Ryan Williams, Wine Educator/Sommelier