Turn down the long, meandering drive and feel the world fade away as the beauty and serenity of Amorosa Inn appear. A gracious home, surrounded by large old trees, greets you. The wind ripples the pond as the weeping willow branches dance above its surface. The silence and serenity of the surrounding vineyards envelops you as you meander through the gates toward the courtyard and into Amorosa.

Nestled deep in a vineyard on the south edge of Lodi, Amorosa is Lodi’s only bed and breakfast inn. Hidden within a circle of protecting trees, the inn has been completely renovated into an intimate, calming retreat from the world and a perfect place from which to tour Lodi’s fascinating wine country. Mike and Renae Matson wanted to create an inn which would emulate fine Lodi country living, and they have succeeded.

The home is contemporary and warm, rambling yet homey. The large living room is crowned by a square grand piano. The warm rich colors of yellows, greens and oranges make the room vibrant yet peaceful. As one guest said, “It’s a room where you just want to curl up by the fire and read a good book-forever!” Encased in one wall is an old bank vault which is hand painted to emulate the vineyards outside. The furnishings throughout the house are a blend of old and new with European and Asian pieces as well as newly purchased accents.

The breakfast room is decorated by the Matson’s collection of wine paintings, prints and drawings. They own Vino Con Brio, a small winery in the Vino Piazza in Lockeford. The couple plan to open a tasting room on the Amorosa site this year and eventually build a large winery on the property.

All the rooms have verandas from which the guests can enjoy the gardens, pond or vineyards. Charming bistro tables adorn each little patio, perfect for a glass of wine or coffee on a chilly morning.

The master suite is spacious with vaulted ceilings and an antique fireplace. The private bathroom has a shower/steamroom combination and an additional patio just outside the sliding door. The king-size bed is covered in a print of birds, greenery and flowers.

The other three bedrooms have queen-size beds. One room is a contrast of blues and whites. The coverlet is a handmade quilt with loads of pillows to nestle into. The fireplace adds a special glow in the evening. The apricot room is a burst of flowers in shades of pink, apricot and greens. A crest of flowers highlights the headboard. The yellow bedroom is intimate and inviting with earth tones accented by a decorative painting in the bathroom.

“We wanted to create each room with it’s own special ambience,” says Renae. “I still can’t decide which is my favorite!”

A full gourmet breakfast is served every morning. Eggs Benedict, Strawberry Crepes or Macadamia Nut Pancakes might be served with fruit, granola, homemade bread, muffins, bacon or sausage. “I love having a group to cook for again,” says Renae whose three children are grown. In the evening hors’dourves are served with the award winning wines of Vino Con Brio.

The Matsons are great promoters of the Lodi Appellation and are extremely enthusiastic about the future of the area. “Lodi is a place where people love the land and the fruits of that land. We are producing some of the finest wines in California and the word is out! People want to know what is happening here. There is a renaissance of energy and enthusiasm about our area. It’s just wonderful!” says Renae.