Getting To Know
Jim York
In 1994 Jim York and his business partner bought 300 acres of the Vanderlip Estate and 104 acres where Marineland of the Pacific was located and which is home to Terranea today. He spent almost 20 years working on getting Terranea built and still owns the 93 stunning acres across the street which is now home to Catalina View Gardens. We spent the afternoon talking to this kind businessman, who enjoys keeping busy, learns about the world by reading the news online each morning and appreciates the beauty in everything that surrounds him.
Renee Jaco and Kristin Borden pictured here spent an afternoon getting to know Jim York.
Jim York has been a Palos Verdes resident for over 35 years. He knows his Palos Verdes history and respects the land around him. He pays attention to detail and preserves what he finds.He told us about a pathway as we were walking on it “I brought in masoners who used the PV stone that was here already and chipped away at it to create this pathway to the vineyard”.
This is a generous man who appreciates his days and spends them walking around the gardens, vineyard and beautiful event venue that he has created.He surveys the weeds and the views.As he cut avocados for us to take home, he explained that an avocado doesn’t start to ripe until you pick it. He is full of knowledge and understanding of the wine and agriculture he is cultivating. The chefs at Terranea pick fruits and vegetables from his property and use them in their farm to table culinary creations.
We asked him about a ring he was wearing which led to him telling us that he went to USCand was on three NCAA National Championship Trojan Tennis Teamsfrom 1967-69.”I played some great tennis and even won a few.” He laughed and went on to say “My serve was good but people used to tell me that all I had was a serve”.
We ended the afternoon by asking how he wanted people to remember him and he said “as a hard worker who never gives up and wants to leave things better than how I found them!”
"I like to be busy. I am not a person that can sit around and watch television..."
HIS WINE
Catalina View Wines-Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Catalina View wine is only sold wholesale. You can find it by the glass and bottle locally at Terranea, RHCC, Hop Saint Brew, The Depot Restaurant, Friends of the Vine, Baran’s 2239 and the Wine Shoppe.
HIS SOIL
Certified for Organic Farming
FAMILY & COMMUNITY
He has been married for 42 years and has two adult daughters.
Many organizations on the hill have had events at his property and he continues to support them.
He allows groups of children to come and learn about agriculture and get hands on farming experience.
