Northern California-based Spirit Works Distillery announced it has promoted Krystal Goulart to head distiller.

Goulart joined the distillery in 2018 as apprentice following more than a decade in the wine industry. She earned degrees in enology and viticulture from California State University-Fresno and worked abroad in the industry in Australia and Portugal.

She then settled in Sonoma, working for Chateau St. Jean, Cruse Wine Co. and others. Her interest in the distilling world grew over time, prompting her to join Spirit Works.

“We are absolutely thrilled to promote Krystal into such an integral role with our team in this new year,” Ashby Marshall, Spirit Works proprietor and original distiller, said in a news release. “With a background in wine production and with several years under her belt with Spirit Works, Krystal has demonstrated the palate, demeanor, intellect, and logistical skills essential to her new role with this creative team. We are excited for everyone else to get to know her and see her stamp on our spirits moving forward.”

“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity,” Goulart said. ”Working alongside an innovative female-led team has been inspiring and has allowed me to refine my skills over the past three years. I look forward to maintaining our signature award-winning style, while challenging myself and my team to push our creative energies towards every aspect of the distilling process.”