Welcome!
Location: Los Olivos, Central Coast, California, USA View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
Keywords: guest house, vacation rental, vineyard retreat, attached unit
Our Vineyard Retreat is an ideal romantic getaway. Our relaxing setting lets you truly unwind and have a unique wine country experience. Stay at one of the smallest producing wineries in Santa Barbara County. Our Los Olivos Vineyard Retreat welcomes you the moment you arrive. The open vistas of our CCOF certified organic vineyard spread out before you and provide a relaxing view.
Staying with us comes with it's perks! We also own a popular and well-respected restaurant and wine merchant in downtown Los Olivos. You will receive a $10 gift card to our restaurant and two complimentary tastings of all our wines at our wine merchant. That's not all. We encourage you to take a few moments to settle into your experience with a bottle of our estate wine and an artisan cheese plate that awaits your arrival. When our schedule permits we enjoy taking guests on a private tour of our vineyard, farmland, and winery.
The Vineyard Retreat has it's own private entrance off a wing of our home. There is one bedroom with a super comfortable king-sized bed with luxurious bedding. The bathroom has a tub/shower combo. For those traveling with their family the family room has a sofa bed that can sleep two children. The kitchen nook, family room, & kitchen are encompassed in the same space with beautiful views of the vineyard and mediterranean landscaping. There is a flat screen TV and two iPod stations. Free wireless internet access is available. The kitchen is fully stocked to prepare a wine country meal. Or for something really special, with enough advanced notice, we can have our chef prepare a customized romantic meal for you.
The 20+ tasting rooms, galleries, and restaurants, of our quaint little town, are a 10 minute walk (20 minute stroll) or a short bike ride away. We also offer complimentary cruisers. Although our kitchen is fully stocked for cooking, there is a little market down the street (5 minute stroll) that serves breakfast and cappuccino's, as well as, a deli.
The Santa Ynez Valley comprises the danish town of Solvang, the western themed town of Santa Ynez, Ballard, Buellton, and Los Olivos. Aside from tasting the many vintages of the Santa Barbara County wines the valley offers; biking, horseback riding (in fact, if you have a horse and want to bring them, we have room for two), hiking, fishing, live theatre, movie theatre, shopping, festivals, surfing and much more. Santa Barbara is a 40 minute drive and the beach is only 30 minutes.
If you only stay two nights, you'll wish you have stayed more!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Beds
- King Bed : Luxurious bedding that will insure a fantastic nights rest.
- Convertible Bed : Sofabed for families traveling with 1 or 2 children.
- Crib : porta-crib available
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : High Def Flatscreen TV
- DVD
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Keurig Coffee Machine, Blender, Toaster, Mini Fridge, Stove, Oven, Dishwasher.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : Mini-Fridge
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : We own a popular restaurant and with advanced notice can cater or prepare an unforgettable meal.
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio : Overlooking our organic vineyard and surrounding farmland.
- Communications
- Cell Phone : Verizon works best. AT&T is not reliable in Los Olivos.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- View of our CCOF certified organic vineyard. Solar powered home. Ipod units in main room and bedroom. We care about every aspect of your stay. We desire to make your stay in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley unforgettable. Having lived in the area for over 15 years, we can guide you to activities that interest you most. We own a well known and respected restaurant. Catering and private chef opportunities are available with prior arrangements. Bikes available for cruising the area.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : We have dogs, cats, and horses on the property. So unfortunately, we can not accept yours. For those traveling with horses, we have an extra pasture for two.
- Kid Friendly : There is a sofa bed in the family room that can sleep two children. We have a lot of room on our lower lawn for running around.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Suitable for one couple age 21 or over. Family traveling with two children accepted.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Surfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Sightseeing
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Hiking
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- We are within a 10-15 minute stroll to downtown Los Olivos where there is an abundance of wine tasting rooms and restaurants that offer some of the best wines of the Santa Barbara County. We are also within walking distance of a quaint little grocery store that offers breakfast and java. 20 minutes away is Lake Cachuma that offers kayaking and fishing. Santa Barbara is 40 minutes away where there is a plethora of shopping and beach related activities.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$250 weekends/ $200 Sunday-Thursday (excluding holidays) $1400/week price is for 2 adults(over 21)- $25 each additional guest (2 children only) $75 one-time cleaning fee $250 security deposit 7 day cancellation policy 100% payment to reserve. 10% TOT tax 2-night minimum on weekends and holidays
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1995
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
Our guests get to experience a small family owned an operated working winery. And the tranquility of country life with the conveniences of being near all the fun that surrounds us. Just a 10 minute walk (15 minute stroll) and you will be in the charming town of Los Olivos with over 20 tasting rooms and shops. Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Buellton are all 5-10 minutes driving. The beaches and shopping of Santa Barbara is 35 minutes south. Lake Cachuma is 15 minutes away. And 45 minutes north of us is Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo, another half hour of driving and you will find yourself in the Paso Robles wine country. For theatre goers the PCPA TheaterFest offers quality performances in their outdoor theatre in Solvang, all summer long.The rolling hills and Oak trees that surround us make our home beautiful year around.
Owner's Map of Los Olivos
We love wine country living in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Our life revolves around family, friends, food, and wine. Now we are pleased to share our blessings and the beauty that surrounds us with others.
Property Photos
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- Welcome! - Los Olivos, CA Vacation Cottage with Outdoor Patio & Vineyard Views
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- Two cruisers wait for you to explore Los Olivos. - Los Olivos, CA Vacation Cottage with Outdoor Patio & Vineyard Views
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- Please come inside. - Los Olivos, CA Vacation Cottage with Outdoor Patio & Vineyard Views
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- Awaiting your arrival is a bottle of our Estate Bernat Vineyard Syrah.
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- The living area
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- Family room, dining nook, kitchen.
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- The kitchen sits off the living area and the kitchen nook.
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- Bedroom. King size bed with luxurious bedding.
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- The bathroom complete with over-sized plush towels.
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- View from Family Room. Sweeping views of our vineyard and surrounding farmland.
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- Retreat Patio and View
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- The front vineyard.
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- Pergola to enjoy sunsets on the vineyard.
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- Our restaurant and wine store, The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe
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- Interior of our Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe- featured in the movie SIDEWAYS
Traveler Reviews (11)
Serenity
Guest: Tom
(Highlands Ranch, Co)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12
Review Submitted: 02/21/12
Everything at the Vineyard Retreat was perfect. The great bottle of Bernat syrah and the cheese plate was a great way to start our visit. The veiw from the patio is amazing! Very peaceful. The Retreat is in a very central location to a lot of great restuarants and wineries. We wil definetely stay here again when returning to the area.
Owner response:"Serenity" is exactly what we try to create for guests! Glad you experienced it. We look forward to your return! Shawnda & Sam
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
A Close-by Getaway
Guest: Kirk
(St George, UT)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12
Review Submitted: 01/25/12
The Vineyard Retreat at Bernat has provided us an absolute getaway without being too far away from civilization. We travel to Santa Barbara often for business and need a place to relax on off-hours and off days. Quiet and safely tucked away behind a gated entrance, the clean, cozy modern cottage sports a bright tropical airiness that exudes a constant invitation to relax. The amenities are all up to date and top of the line (fast WiFi, too). We wholeheartedly agree with the list of activities/restaurants provided by our hosts as we have personally tried most of their suggestions. Their location in Los Olivos is a quiet center in the middle of the area food, wine, and activities choices. The owner of the retreat is a combination restaurateur, viticulturist, and wine maker. Sam’s successful Los Olivos Café stands less than a mile away as a testimony to his refined taste. Sam nurtures the estate grapes and makes his Bernat organic wine all by hand. He walks the acreage alone periodically and admits, "it's a kind of spiritual experience." Okay, indulge me and call my wife and me romantic vinophiles, but there is something mystical about sipping wine from the gift bottle left in our cottage as we sit and watch the sun set over the very vineyard where it was grown. I absolutely recommend this retreat to friends and family.
Owner response:Thank you for taking the time to write this thoughtful review. We are glad to hear that you have had such a pleasant experience in the Vineyard Retreat. We look forward to you visiting us again soon! Shawnda and Sam
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Great Getaway for a Family of Three
Guest: Riki
(South Pasadena, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/12/11
Review Submitted: 11/17/11
We spent two nights at the Retreat celebrating my husband's birthday. It's small, but plenty of space for three people. The cottage is exactly as described on the site, and the setting is just gorgeous and peaceful. You can walk to a little grocery store in Los Olivos and take short drives to so many wineries. Sam and Shawnda were warm and welcoming, and made great recommendations about which wineries to visit. I'd definitely recommend it!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Recommend Bernat winery
Guest: WineLover
(Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 10/30/11
Review Submitted: 11/01/11
We were pleasantly surprised even after all the positive reviews. The lodging is well maintained, and very much makes you feel like you are part of the winery. One of the owners, Sam, made a effort to come out and say hello. There were no surprises, and all the goodies that were included made the stay that much better. The only feedback I can offer is it would have been nice to meet the dogs rumored to live on the property.
Owner response:Hi Colleen, I am sure the dogs would have Loved to meet you too! The dogs, kids and I were up in Oregon during your visit. Sorry to have missed you. Thank you for your review! Shawnda
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Everything Was Perfect
Guest: Kerri and Olivier
(Vancouver BC)
Date of Stay: 10/02/11
Review Submitted: 10/30/11
My partner and I visited in early October and had a wonderful time. The cottage is exactly as it seems in the photos. Unfortunately Shawnda was out of town, but Sam was a terrific host - he treated us to some of the best wine we drank on our trip. If you visit, you must walk a quarter of a mile down the road to the Los Olivos Grocery. They also serve meals - the breakfast tacos are a must have! It was my partner's birthday when we visited and I had the Los Olivos Cafe (which Sam also owns) deliver a delicious dinner right to the cottage. I would highly recommend a visit to the Vineyard Retreat. We will definitely be back.
Owner response:We appreciate your kind words. The joy of having our Vineyard Retreat is in the wonderful people we get to meet. I wish I was there to have met you as well. But Sam really is a terrific host- one of the reasons I married him :) Glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you, Shawnda
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+.
How to spend your anniversary!
Guest: A&R
(North Vancouver)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 10/25/11
We loved our week in the Vineyard Retreat. All practical needs met with hassle-free ease. Beyond the comfort and convenience, a delightful vineyard view and ambiance. Hosts Shawnda and Sam were more than graciously attentive; if you want to learn something about operating a winery, they are as informative as you want. The excellent restaurants in nearby Los Olivos are a pleasant walk away. Superb scenery in all directions. Fascinating wine-tasting abounds, some of it within cycling distance and more - too many wineries to visit - if you care to drive. Speaking of cycling, two bicycles provided for some good fun. But we should have brought our own; we did not expect the incredibly attractive opportunities afforded by the many roads in the Valley. We did expect, and we thoroughly enjoyed, two local golf courses.
Owner response:Thank you for taking your time to write this review! I am sure it will be very helpful for our future guests to read about all the fun that abounds in little Los Olivos. Sincerely, Shawnda
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Great spot
Guest: Gary
(SAN DIEGO)
Date of Stay: 08/02/11
Review Submitted: 08/07/11
There are two things that make a stay worthwhile - one, of course, is the property itself. This is a cozy cottage on the owners' property with a comfortable patio that opens onto a big lawn and the vineyards beyond. Great views of the rolling hills, tons of stars at night and an all around peaceful setting. The cottage is comfortable, and you're welcomed with a bottle of wine and a cheese tray - makes it really easy to kick of your shoes and feel right at home the minute you get there. The beach cruisers are an easy way to wander into town (go with somebody that knows how to navigate their way back). The setting, cottage and grounds are very, very nice and just remote enough. My wife and I both loved the location, the cottage and everything about it. The second element for a memorable stay, and the one that can really make a difference, is the one at which Shawnda and Sam excel. Call it the 'vibe' or whatever you want, it's the part you can't fake. It's the spirit an owner brings to their property and guests. These guys offer the ideal blend of solicitousness and room to move. Their preparation is impeccable, but they double check just to make sure everything is to your liking. And not like your grandmother who's always asking if you want more fruitcake, but like a friend who likes what you like and wants to make sure you're getting it. It is all very relaxing for the guests, and they make their part seem effortless, even though it's not. The dogs are even relaxed - they'll come around and if you want to pet them, they'll enjoy it, if not, they'll find something else interesting to do. Finally, they call their restaurant a 'cafe'. That's sort of typical of the understatement they bring to their businesses. Don't miss it. The cafe has a very inviting wine bar and the restaurant is comfortable and contemporary at the same time. They take care in the preparation of the meals and the prices reflect it - but not in any way that is overpriced. We had the caprese and the tomatoes were incredible - the kind you just don't get often. The kind you stop, notice and enjoy. The meal just got better from there. We really enjoyed the stay.
Owner response:What can I say? Wow! Thank you. I'll try not to let your comments go to my head. We look forward you visiting us again soon. Shawnda
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.
Perfect for rest, relaxation and wine tasting
Guest: msjazzykat
(Aliso Viejo, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11
Review Submitted: 06/08/11
A perfect place to stay in the Los Olivos area. Quiet, tranquil and peaceful with many friendly animals - one kitty in particular (long hair black and white) would keep us company each morning while we had our coffee either on the patio or in the cottage - a definite lap cat and one we were tempted to bring home with us! The cottage is very close to town either by a short walk or a ride on the bikes provided, which we enjoyed - it allowed us to explore the area and wine taste without having to drive and the merchants were kind enough to hold our purchases until we returned with the car to pick them up. Sam and Shawnda could not have been more hospitable and even offered the fresh grown herbs from their garden (right outside the door!) for our cooking pleasure. We made all of our meals at the cottage (note that there is a mini fridge, not a full size, so if you plan to do your own cooking plan accordingly!) so we didn't get the chance to indulge in the food at their restaurant other than the lovely cheese plate left for us upon our arrival at the cottage (the fig spread is to die for!), but enjoyed the complimentary wine tasting at the bar and their own label, the Bernat Syrah, was so divine we came home with a case! We will definitely return and refer friends and family. Thank you again for a wonderful 3 days.
Owner response:Fiona (the long haired black and white cat) can't wait for your return! Thank you for writing this review and sharing all the details that made your getaway so special. Glad you enjoyed your stay and our wine and we hope to see you again soon. Sincerely, Sam and Shawnda
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
A lovely place to relax
Guest: Lynne M.
(Paso Robles, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/11
Review Submitted: 06/03/11
We had such a lovely time at the 'Retreat'....quiet, peaceful and so relaxing. Just what we needed! Thank you so much for making it available, Shawnda and Sam. We enjoyed the wine, the restaurant and sitting in the sun enjoying the view of the vineyard. The little town of Los Olivos is quaint....great for walking and browsing the shops. Since Solvang is so close, we spent a couple hours there sightseeing as well. All fun and interesting....but mostly we enjoyed spending time in our little home away from home...drinking wine, talking and relaxing. We would love to come back sometime and will certainly recommend you to others. Thanks, again.
Owner response:I am so glad you had such a nice trip and felt so relaxed at the Vineyard Retreat! It brings us joy knowing we live in such a beautiful place and have the opportunity to share it with others who appreciate it like you obviously did.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Wonderful Escape
Guest: Jennifer M.
(Morgantown, WV)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11
Review Submitted: 05/18/11
My husband and I visited Los Olivos for a wedding and were thrilled to find such a wonderful retreat at the Bernat Vineyard. The grounds are truly beautiful. With a private entrance, parking space and separation from everything else, it was truly an escape. Sam and Shawnda offered to give us a tour of their property and vineyard and it was such a treat. We left with the feeling of both privacy and that someone was there to make suggestions or help us with what we needed. Which wasn't much more than a bottle of wine and their lovely yard. And don't miss their restaurant in town. In the words of my newly wedded friend..."I always eat there! No, I guess more specifically, I've never come to Los Olivos and not eaten at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant". It really is that good. Thank you for such a wonderful trip. It was blissful.
Owner response:Thank you for taking your time to write such a helpful review. It is such a treat to share the beauty that surrounds us with such nice people! Come see us again soon. Sam & Shawnda
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #346902
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