ADVISOR

Michael Crain

Michael Crain brings over 36 years of real estate and finance experience in the San Francisco Bay Area. Beginning as a real estate agent in the 1980s, he later became a principal involved in a variety of real property ventures, with a focus on commercial office leasing and agricultural development sales.

Michael’s background as a commercial banker with Wells Fargo and Citibank provided him with deep insight into real estate finance, particularly in evaluating commercial vineyards and agricultural investment opportunities. He holds a California Real Estate Broker License and has also been a Certified Real Estate Appraiser.

In the late 1990s, Michael became Vice President of Cambial Financing Dynamics, Inc. and Managing Partner of Cambial Vineyards, LLC., overseeing $20M in Napa Valley vineyard transactions. He later co-founded a real estate appraisal and advisory firm serving clients across the North Coast region.

In 2011, he launched Michael Crain Properties, Vineyard and Estate Brokers, a firm catering to high-end real estate clients, including national and international investors.

Michael has served on the Board of Directors for the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, reflecting his commitment to community and the wine industry.

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Notable Achievements

  • Co-founded a real estate and advisory firm in 2003, earning a strong reputation for expertise.

  • Led $20M in vineyard deals at Cambial Vineyards, LLC.

  • Held lending roles at Wells Fargo and Citibank.

  • Served on the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Board.

Testimonials

Founder and Winemaker of MacRostie Winery and Vineyards

“In my book, Michael Crain is the go-to guy for vineyard and winery land transactions in northern California. He found us the perfect site perched on a beautiful knoll overlooking Russian River Valley, complete with all necessary permits. He is a wonderful person, who upon first meeting, convinces you of his ability to get the job done. He is trustworthy, honest and transparent in all he does. Having known Michael well and now reflecting on my four-decade career in the wine business, I count him as one of the true professionals. I have always wanted a home for MacRostie that expresses who we are as a winery and what we believe in as clearly as our wines do. Our new home in the Russian River Valley is the culmination of that dream.”

Proprietor of Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyard

“Michael is one of the few brokers who understands and knows vineyards. Most brokers completely "fake it." I'm sure you probably know this. Michael doesn't!! Michael is also really attentive to detail -- no matter how small. He will represent you well. It is a good time to buy a vineyard. I think grape prices will rise 100% in the next 10 years. I just bought a vineyard in Sonoma from a client Michael also represented and was quite pleased with Michael.”

Exchange Bank Sonoma County Senior Vice President and Manager

“I've worked with Michael for many years and would certainly recommend him to anyone looking to purchase or sell wine country property in the North Bay. Michael utilizes his considerable experience and contacts within this niche industry, and delivers his services with a professional attention to detail that keeps his clients' interests firmly in focus.

Michael is able to communicate complex property entitlement, regulatory and local market knowledge to buyers and sellers in a way that enables them to thoroughly understand the unique characteristics surrounding agricultural properties. From this base of deep knowledge, clients can make fully informed decisions.”

Successful Sales

Vineyard Sales

  • $XX,XX,XX - Magnificent 20-acre Prime Russian River Valley Vineyards

  • $XX,XX,XX - Prestigious 110-acre Prime Napa Valley floor Vineyards; Rutherford Appellation

  • $XX,XX,XX - 360-acre Vineyard Estate Sale, Mayacama Mountains, Sonoma and Napa Valleys

  • $XX,XX,XX - 40-acre Vineyard Land Purchase, Mayacama Mountains

  • $XX,XX,XX - 16-acre prime Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards

Other Sales

  • $XX,XX,XX - Boutique Winery and Estate sale, Sonoma

  • $XX,XX,XX - Winery, Restaurant & Vineyard, Russian River Valley

  • $XX,XX,XX - 10-acre Vineyard and Building Sites, Sonoma Valley

  • $XX,XX,XX - 480-acre Vineyard Land Purchase, Napa Valley

  • $XX,XX,XX - 160-acre Vineyard Land Sale, Napa, Valley

“We are here to help our clients fulfill their own dreams of wine country life and work.”

— Michael Crain

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