Douglas Elliman, the national luxury brokerage, has planted its flag in Wine Country by recruiting longtime local power brokers Christine Krenos and Joseph Zichelle to run operations across Napa and Sonoma counties. The hires give the firm a direct foothold in two of Northern California’s most valuable estate markets and highlight growing national interest in the region’s high-end listings. The team is known locally for representing vineyard estates and large compounds, and their arrival creates an immediate Elliman presence in the valley.
As reported by the San Francisco Business Times, Krenos and Zichelle joined Douglas Elliman after nine years with Compass and have closed more than $70 million in transactions across Napa and Sonoma. The outlet notes they will lead Elliman’s Wine Country operations, bringing a locally established team under a national brand that has been steadily expanding its luxury footprint.
Listings show immediate activity under Elliman
A listing from Douglas Elliman for 601 Napa Road shows a nearly $13 million Sonoma estate marketed by the pair, confirming the firm’s presence in the valley. Broker and MLS pages also list additional high-end properties in both Napa and Sonoma with Krenos and Zichelle credited as the agents, signaling an immediate transfer of local listings to the Elliman banner.
Elliman’s national expansion reaches Wine Country
The Wine Country move comes as Douglas Elliman continues an expansion push. The company has outlined strategic growth and strengthened financial results in recent corporate releases, and it has announced new market and international initiatives in 2025–26. Company materials, including a recent financial release from Douglas Elliman, show the firm emphasizing market expansion and agent resources. The brokerage has been investing in recruiting established local teams and building services to support luxury transactions at scale, a strategy that helps explain the Wine Country hire.
What it could mean for buyers and brokers…