A huge perk of living in and around Portland is the availability of numerous activities or escapes just a short drive from the city. When I want to get away without going far, Oregon wine country is my go-to destination. In less than an hour, I can exchange city commotion for country serenity as I sip a glass of world-class wine and marvel at the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and green, rolling hillsides.

On a recent day-trip to Amity Hills in the heart of Oregon wine country, I had an inspiration. I could take my mother, who would be visiting in a few weeks, to wine country. No rushed day trip this time, though. We could have a relaxing weekend in this beautiful area, doing whatever we liked. Enter, Vivid Vineyards Loft & Cottage, located on a gorgeous working vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills AVA. It proved to be the perfect retreat after our arduous day of wine tasting in the Dundee, Carlton and Amity area. Vivid Vineyards has two accommodation options: The Loft and The Cottage. We stayed in the cottage. The owners, Bruce and Angelica, welcomed us upon arrival and showed us to the cottage. Words cannot describe how absolutely stunning this custom cottage is! The second we walked through the door, we were awe-struck. It was like a 5-star hotel—only better!

The cupboards were stocked with cereal, tea and coffee. Waiting for us in the top-of-the-line refrigerator was a meat, cheese and cracker tray, including olives and grapes, and an amazing bottle of wine. Also, eggs, yogurt, soy milk, bread, butter, bottled waters, etc. A chef’s delight, the beautiful custom kitchen with dining area, opens to the spacious living room. Glass doors open from the living room to a private deck with a grill, a unique hand carved counter, string lights for ambiance, cute table and chairs and a fabulous view of the landscape and vineyards. Back inside the cottage, behind the living room is an open area with an exquisite, colored-glass chandelier (that was custom-made in Italy). Behind that, is a delightful bedroom area. Guests can use a remote control to open and close the curtains between the bedroom and living area.  The marvelously comfortable bed is topped with plush white linens and pillows and a beautiful sage-green throw. The bath includes an elegant ceiling to floor rain shower and hand-painted scroll work in the powder room.

We enjoyed visiting with Bruce and Angelica. They are a delight. They shared their experiences, including how they decided to purchase the home they are in, the process of planting the vineyards, and the decision to build the loft and cottage they share through airbnb. They both have extensive experience in 5 star hotels, and Bruce is a French-trained pastry chef. As a matter of fact, He designed and built the Cottage himself. Ask him about the beautiful chandelier, the faucet in the kitchen, the scroll work in the bathroom, and the unique counter on the deck, to name a few. Both he and Angelica have worked in 5-star hotels and their extensive experience shows in the uniqueness of the Cottage and Loft. Don’t bother to wash the sheets before you leave, because Angelica will just wash them again. She told us she is fastidious and wants to be sure everything is done to her high standards.

The Cottage easily accommodates two people, and is perfect for a quiet, romantic getaway. Stay the weekend, or a week and enjoy cooking meals in the awesome kitchen, or grilling on the deck while sipping wine and enjoying the view.