President George Christie to Lead New Service in Response to Growing Demand for Property Guidance
George Christie
Healdsburg, CA – [June 18, 2025] — Wine Industry Network (WIN), the leading B2B resource for the North American wine industry, is expanding its service offerings to include real estate advisory for winery and vineyard properties. The new service will be led by wine industry veteran, WIN President and CEO George Christie, who recently became a licensed real estate professional in response to increased industry demand for guidance around acquisitions, sales, and succession planning.
“Over the years, I’ve been contacted countless times by real estate agents, winery and vineyard owners, and prospective buyers looking for insight or direction around acquisitions or sales,” said Christie. “In the last two years, that number has increased dramatically. I realized that if WIN is going to provide the same level of support in this category like we do in every other category—I need to be officially licensed.”
Before launching WIN in 2009, Christie spent twenty plus years in senior wine industry roles spanning winery operations, grower relations, sales & marketing, and national brand campaigns. He is also a partner in Saini Vineyards, a multi-generational Dry Creek Valley Winery known for its Old Vine Zinfandel.
“I’m not a real estate agent stepping into the wine industry,” Christie added. “I’m a wine industry professional who is expanding the services I offer. Whether someone is planning succession, evaluating a sale, or entering the market, I want to be the trusted advisor they call.”
Christie emphasized that his role at WIN remains unchanged:
“WIN is thriving,” he said. “The team is strong, our events are growing, and I remain fully committed to our mission of supporting industry professionals at every level.”
Through WIN, Christie continues to lead the industry’s top B2B platform—providing news, digital content, events, and strategic services to every tier of the wine supply chain. With the added lens of real estate, he’s uniquely positioned to guide clients through high-stakes transitions—from market strategy to legacy planning—with personalized, on-the-ground support.
Christie will conduct his real estate work in affiliation with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, aligning with a globally recognized brand known for its marketing excellence and luxury expertise.
“Sotheby’s gives me the platform to serve clients at the highest level,” Christie said. “Their resources, reputation, and reach are a perfect fit for the vineyard and winery space.”
Carole Sauers, Brokerage Manager at Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, welcomed Christie to the team: “We’re thrilled to have George join us,” said Sauers. “He brings an unmatched combination of wine industry knowledge, business insight, and trusted relationships. There’s a real need right now for someone who understands both sides of the equation—and George delivers that in a way no one else can.”
About George Christie
George Christie is the President and CEO of Wine Industry Network (WIN) and a partner in Saini Vineyards. He has over 30 years of wine industry experience, including leadership in winery operations, grower relations, sales, marketing, distribution, and strategic brand development. He is a former board member of Sonoma County Vintners, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Wine Road and WineAmerica. In 2024, Christie received the Innovators Award at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction for his lasting contributions to the wine industry.
About Wine Industry Network (WIN)
Wine Industry Network (WIN) is THE leading business to business resource for the North American wine industry providing a collection of services, subscriptions, and events designed to keep industry professionals informed about current trends and industry news, as well as the latest products, services, jobs, and innovations in the production, viticulture, sales, marketing, and management categories.
About Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
Since 1991, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty has been the premier residential real estate brokerage in the San Francisco Bay Area. Consistently ranked among the top 50 brokerages in the United States by sales volume and among the top 10 Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliates worldwide, the firm represents some of California’s most exceptional homes and estates. With offices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and a legacy built on integrity, market expertise, and global reach, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty provides unmatched service to buyers and sellers at every level.
Media Contact:
Olivia Christie
707-433-4215 ext. 107
Olivia@WineIndustryNetwork.com