Vacation Rentals by Owner

We already miss it!

Guest: bluetruedream (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/19/12 Review Submitted: 05/24/12

We stayed for two nights in late May and could not have had a better time. We were immediately greeted by Gypsy, the sweetest dog ever, whose only purpose in life is to get belly rubs. She is the best! The retreat has everything you could need and the wireless internet was astonishingly fast. We enjoyed the bottle of estate wine on the back lawn looking out on the stars on our first night. And after wine tasting the next day, the cheese and compote plate was perfect. Two beach cruisers (including helmets and a lock) were really helpful, but be careful if you take them out to dinner. The roads back to the retreat don't have street lights and we wished we brought a headlamp after dark. Overall, our stay was perfect. The Retreat had everything you could need, was in a great location in Los Olivos, and close to the Los Olivos Grocery (excellent breakfasts and BBQ!). We ate at the Los Olivos Cafe, using the gift card that was included in the reservation, and we are still talking about how delicious and spring-appropriate our dishes were. We didn't get to meet the owners unfortunately (I think they were out of town) but all the locals knew them and wanted us to say hi. Yes, the place is on a working vineyard and there was some noise from workers, etc., but it did not disturb us, the whole retreat was still very very private, and I think it added to the charm. I have already recommended the place to friends. The next time I stay, it is going to be for at least a week!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Weekend in SYV Wine Country

Guest: Tom (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 04/27/12 Review Submitted: 04/30/12

The location was rather nicer than expected, with a beautiful lawn overlooking acres of wine grapes, sun shining on the Adirondak chairs and cool breezes making it comfortable. The guest wing of the owner's house was comfortably sized, colorful, and tastefully decorated (nothing over-the-top). The fruit, cheese and cracker tray was a welcome repast upon arrival that was perfectly complimented by the owner's Syrah which was superb. And all of this pleasantness was disrupted by a dog that wouldn't stay away, spreading the smell of manure and sloppy dog kisses. And 7:30 Sunday morning came way too early when a gardener started up a weed wacker and ran motors until my wife sent him away 30 minutes later. (The owners said they thought we were gone (I had taken the car to head out for a hike...leaving my wife to a then-quiet Sunday morning). So, I have to ask, what hotelier/B&B'er schedules a gardener for Sunday morning in a high season? And, what makes dog owners think guests want to be jumped on and lucked by their dogs (smelly or not)?

Owner response:Although we hold our standards higher than many B&B's and hotels we are not a B&B or hotel. We are a home with a vacation rental on a working winery and vineyard. Part of the charm guests seek staying in vacation rentals is being part of a home environment. We never hid the fact that there are dogs on the property. And yes, they do enjoy our guests. The incident with the gardener was rectified and was an innocent misunderstanding due to the absence of a vehicle in the Vineyard Retreat parking space. We have now instructed him to begin mowing, regardless of a guest's car in the driveway, after 9:30. We do our very best to make our guests' stay relaxing and enjoyable. But we can't make everyone happy.

Recommended for:Pet owners

Easter at Bernat

Guest: G&R (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/12/12

If you are looking for a relaxing, peaceful and serene getaway with added perks (good wine and food), this is the perfect place to stay! Truly a gem of a retreat.

Owner response:Glad you enjoyed yourselves and that we were able to provide such great weather for you. :) It got cold and started raining after you left. Thank you for the review! Shawnda

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Lovely stay in Los Olivos

Guest: Productions Done Right (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 03/20/12 Review Submitted: 04/05/12

My sweetheart and I loved the charm of Los Olivos, and what better way to enjoy wine country than on a vineyard! Wonderful hosts and experience over all.

Owner response:Glad you enjoyed your stay. Come see us again!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Perfect Weekend Getaway

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/05/12

It truly was the perfect quiet, relaxing weekend getaway. Even more beautiful than the pictures. The food in Los Olivos is very good and riding the bikes they provide to dinner (a short ride of 5 minutes or so) made it an even more enjoyable evening. I highly recommend the Retreat for your stay in Los Olivos.

Owner response:Glad you had the relaxing getaway you needed! Thank you for taking the time to post this review. Please come visit us again soon. Shawnda & Sam

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

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:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Outstanding!

Guest: Anthony and Maria (Paramus, NJ / Bergen County)
Date of Stay: 04/13/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

My wife and I just recently traveled the West Coast with another couple from New Jersey (Month of April). We toured, San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Carmel, down to LA. During our travels, we reserved this cottage, and I must say the accommodations were incredibly comforting, clean, well decorated, sleeping arrangements for 4 adults worked out perfectly. The back porch provides a stunning view of their vineyard, and the surrounding landscape... just a beautiful setting!!! We also took advantage of "Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe" which offers a verity of dishes, generous size portions and reasonably priced... you must order the Lamb Shank!! There's so much to do in the surrounding towns... we highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in vacationing here!! Their Bio speaks the truth, kudos and thanks for a great stay!!

Owner response:Glad to hear you had such a nice experience and enjoyed dining at our restaurant. Please come back and see us soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.