New national spirits magazine launches in Sonoma

A new national trade magazine aimed at wine, beer, distilled spirits, and hard cider producers, suppliers, and distributors launched last week. Debuting with a March/April 2017 issue, Spirited will publish six times per year and be accompanied by a website (spiritedbiz.com), eNewletters and trade events. The magazine is the first national publication to be produced by Sonoma Media Investments.

North Bay Business Journal managing editor Alexandra Russell has been tapped as editor-in-chief. Michael Zivyak will serve as president and publisher of the new publication, in addition to Sonoma Magazine.

'Northern California is well known for its entrepreneurship and new ideas which are thriving in the adult beverage industry and resonating across the country,' says Steve Falk, Sonoma Media Investments CEO. 'Spirited magazine will shine a light on this rapidly growing industry with the goal of becoming an indispensable source for the latest trends and developments.'

'Spirited will share stories, techniques, trends and research in a way that entertains and informs, advancing the conversation and giving those in the adult beverage community a way to connect and learn from one another,' added Alexandra Russell, editor-in-chief. 'Today, it's about collaboration, not competition.'

Russell grew up in Sonoma County and has a background in general business to business publications.

'I've had plenty of opportunities to explore Wine Country and learn about the wine industry,' she said.' I've also had a more generalized knowledge about beers, cider and spirits (though admittedly, mostly from a consumer¹s perspective). Now I'm all in, ready to find the next big thing, shine a spotlight on deserving makers, introduce ideas and innovations, find where and how these industries connect and encourage the sharing of knowledge.'

Spirited will also be affiliated with Wine Competitions Management & Productions, which runs beverage competitions, including The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, the International East Meets West Wine Challenge, the International Women's Wine Competition, the Harvest Challenge and (new in 2017) the Craft Distillers Spirit Competition.

Sonoma Media Investments (sonomamediainvestments.com) is the parent company that owns the Sonoma Index-Tribune, The Press Democrat and the Petaluma Argus-Courier, as well as the North Bay Business Journal as well as Sonoma Magazine.

Subscription information is online at spiritedbiz.com.