Little Saint’s Wine Director Alexandria Sarovich Recognized with Vinepair Award

Alexandria Sarovich, executive wine director of Healdsburg’s Little Saint–formerly the Shed, has been recognized with VinePair’s Sommelier of the Year Award. The award recognizes wine, spirits and beer professionals “who have distinguished themselves in the past year for propelling the industry forward to a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future,” according to a VinePair press release.

Little Saint is a 100% plant-based restaurant, coffee bar, wine lounge/cocktail bar and music venue in downtown Healdsburg. Sarovich has been with the organization since it opened in early 2021. According to the press release, in just one year she grew Little Saint’s wine program from 250 bottles to 1,000 bottles and achieved Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Prior to joining Little Saint Sarovich worked as a sommelier at SingleThread Farm and Restaurant in Healdsburg.  

Tonnellerie Cadus and Ana Selection Announces New North American Sales Director 

Tonnellerie Cadus and Ana Selection appointed Gretchen Brakesman as North American sales director. With two decades worth of experience in the field, Brakesman will oversee the Cadus/Ana team and support customers located in Napa and Texas. In addition to her new role as North American sales director, Brakesman and her husband own a boutique winery in Angwin where they live with their children and pets.

PEJU Winery Appoints New President  

Rutherford-based PEJU Winery announced the appointment of David Amadia to the role of president, effective Nov. 6, 2023. In this role, Amadia is responsible for overseeing all components of winery operation including winemaking, sales, vineyard management, marketing, finance, and administration. He reports directly to PEJU Winery's CEO, Ariana Peju.    

Amadia started in the wine business in 1990 and has worked at notable wineries such as Bonny Doon, Penfolds and Ridge Vineyards where he spent 17 years there and served as its president.  

Cork Supply Announces Employee Promotion
 

Benicia-based Cork Supply announced the promotion of Amelia Forney to the role of director of business development. In this role, Forney is in charge of developing and executing the company's strategic customer acquisition and retention plans. In addition, she works closely with the sales team to expand Cork Supply's portfolio in certain key wine regions like Oregon, California and Washington. Forney has held a variety of roles during the 10-plus years she’s worked at the company. Roles have included regional sales manager and account manager.

Martinelli Vineyards Tapps Bill Smart for General Manager Role

The Sonoma County-based winery announced that Bill Smart serves as general manager of Martinelli, effective Nov. 1, 2023. He was appointed to the position by the Martinelli family and the winery’s board of directors.  

Following his college graduation, Smart moved to California and proceeded to work in various roles–such as marketing and management–at several Sonoma and Napa County wineries such as St. Supery Winery and Dry Creek Vineyards. He later served as general manager and vice president at Lambert Bridge Winery in Healdsburg. Before joining Martinelli Vineyards he worked at Limerick Lane Winery as general manager.