ABOUT US
J+K is the collaboration of business and life partners Jake and Kristen.
Transplanted to the Santa Ynez Valley from a life in Los Angeles managing what has been called the world's largest artist-in-residence community, the Brewery Artist Lofts, Jake and Kristen are no strangers to taking on a challenge. They're also not strangers to the Santa Ynez Valley. For the last decade they have visited this special Valley again and again, from their first vacation as a couple in Santa Ynez to their honeymoon in Los Olivos and many weekends between and since, the Santa Ynez Valley (and all the amazing wine it has to offer) have been calling their names for years.
Kristen grew up on an organic farm in Topanga Canyon, a bohemian enclave in the mountains above Malibu, and developed an early interest in science. Ultimately, she chose the more practical route for taking over the family real estate business and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Small Business & Entrepreneurship from California Lutheran University. Jake grew up in Yorba Linda and passionately pursued every trade and hobby he could that involved using his two hands and his excellent problem solving skills, from bass guitar and auto repairs, to welding, plumbing, and electrical. Both have always had artistic and agricultural interests, but it wasn't until falling madly in love with a vineyard property in Ballard Canyon that they ever considered growing grapes as a way of life - and a way to combine so many of their passions and interests. Jorian Hill Vineyard drew them in. After visiting the property year after year, they finally took the leap and acquired the vineyard in 2020.
The first harvest was trial by fire, with a record-breaking heat wave bringing the fruit to bear in record time, just 2 months into their viticultural careers. They've learned a lot since then and with a LOT of hands-on work by Jake, the ongoing help and support of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates and Vineyard Manager, Ruben Solorzano, "the Grape Whisperer," they have big plans for J+K Vineyard.
Kristen grew up on an organic farm in Topanga Canyon, a bohemian enclave in the mountains above Malibu, and developed an early interest in science. Ultimately, she chose the more practical route for taking over the family real estate business and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Small Business & Entrepreneurship from California Lutheran University. Jake grew up in Yorba Linda and passionately pursued every trade and hobby he could that involved using his two hands and his excellent problem solving skills, from bass guitar and auto repairs, to welding, plumbing, and electrical. Both have always had artistic and agricultural interests, but it wasn't until falling madly in love with a vineyard property in Ballard Canyon that they ever considered growing grapes as a way of life - and a way to combine so many of their passions and interests. Jorian Hill Vineyard drew them in. After visiting the property year after year, they finally took the leap and acquired the vineyard in 2020.
The first harvest was trial by fire, with a record-breaking heat wave bringing the fruit to bear in record time, just 2 months into their viticultural careers. They've learned a lot since then and with a LOT of hands-on work by Jake, the ongoing help and support of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates and Vineyard Manager, Ruben Solorzano, "the Grape Whisperer," they have big plans for J+K Vineyard.