VIP PDX Oregon Wine Tours

Smells like spring....wine country is calling!

Here in the great northwest we enjoy a bounty of wineries for our senses to feast on.  Now that winter has passed, it is time to head out to wine country for some much needed fresh air and vino! Here at VIP PDX, world class transportation and service, are proud to continue our partnership with Erath Winery and Anne Amie Vineyards, if you have not had an opportunity to visit these two fantastic properties now is the time.  Mich will guide you through  40 years of passion at Erath featuring Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Estate selections.  Elegant wine at Anne Amie embodies the unique characteristics of Oregon where the hilltop views are almost as fantastic as the wine.   Now VIP PDX is proud to welcome Sokol Blosser Winery to our family of partners.   The first winery in the nation to receive the prestigious LEED certifications from the USGBC.   Featuring a huge deck and picnic area Sokol Blosser is a great spot to sip and take in the best of Oregon wine country! 

Our all-inclusive weekday wine tour features wine tasting at all three wineries above, artisan cheese and crackers, VIP transportation, VIP host and bottled water, starting at only $60 per person, it's a great way to entertain clients!  

Tour Oregon wine country and leave the driving to us.  Enjoy the world-class wines and savor Oregon's renowned Pinot Noir and many more,  sip between stops on the VIP Bus and enjoy the countryside of the Willamette Valley.  Call our friendly staff to book your tour today! 

Other Oregon Wineries of merit include...

Vista Hills Vineyard and Winery 

Cana's Feast Winery

Stoller Vineyard

WillaKenzie Estate

Wineries by appointment only....

Lemelson Vineyards

Alloro Vineyard

Owen Roe Winery

The Ultimate Oregon Prom 2009

Prom season is quickly approaching and I know what is on the minds of many of you girls.  What are the hottest dress trends? Certainly NOT duct tape gowns! Will my date remember a corsage?  Have NO fear gals, see below what's HOT and what's NOT for 2009!

HOT LIST

• Hair: "It's all rope curls" says Hair 10 in Lake Oswego.  
  
• Dresses: Mini-mini-mini, fishtails, and simple black gowns with colored over sized gems, think Angelina Jolie at the Oscars.  These dresses and more can be found at Jessica McClintock on Broadway in downtown Portland.   Sizes range from 0-24 in select designs.  Hot colors include: pink, cream, and black.
  
• Accessories: Rhinestone cuff bracelet similar to the one wore by Vanessa Williams at the 2008 Emmy's and over sized colored stones.
• Corsages & Boutonnieres: Make your life easy and order online!  Try Nancy's Floral for a great selection starting at under $10.00
  
• Transportation: VIP PDX Party Bus is the ONLY way to go!  Bring you iPod and get ready for a night to remember!  VIP Bus features, lounge seating for 30, huge bathroom, 4 beverage stations, play station 2 game system, 3 flat screen TV's, VIP Host and more!  
  
• Formal Wear: Tropical colors such as brown, coral, pale greens and turquoise are hot for spring 2009.  See the full men's line at Mr. Formal.  Not into tropical tones? Take your fashion cue from Mickey Rourke who strutted the red carpet in a cream suit, black vest, white shirt and shades.  
  
• After Party:   Party in style in your own club on wheels on board the  VIP Party Bus, have a donut craving?  24 hour sweet fix can be cured at VooDoo Donuts.  Maybe cosmic bowling is more your style, try Big Al's in Vancouver for some rollin' fun.
  

NOT LIST

• Hair: Up do's, beehives (as if) and the same hair you wear to school everyday
  
• Dresses: Meringues, t-length, white dresses (no matter what you look like a bride that went to the prom instead of her wedding!)
  
• Corsages & boutonnieres: Forget the flowers, she won't notice if her friends all have one and she doesn't.....hummmm
  
• Transportation: Your old VW Van without heat or defrost, walking and tandem bikes.
  
• Formal Wear: No shoes, No shirt, No Prom!
  
• After Party: Straight home.
  

Past Prom age?  Share you prom memories with us!  Don't be shy.....it will be fun!

1) What year was your senior prom?  

2) What did you wear? your date?

3) Are there any memorable moments of the evening you would like to share? 

Wedding Trends 2009

Portland Wedding Trends 2009 

Ask any bride what they dreamt of most as a young girl and you will likely hear it was an amazing princess wedding gown, so let us start with the frock trends of 2009!

Gowns: Colored wedding dresses, oversized bows and miniskirt wedding gowns. See Anna's Bridal Boutique in Lake Oswego for elegant designer gowns and accessories. To top it off Bridal Bliss bridal consultation is located onsite, with many awards to their credit, they are worth checking out!

Men's Wear: LaDonna from Mr. Formal in Tigard says "Tropical colors are in for 2009" Did you know that Mr. Formal also have suits for rent?  They even have special rates for destination weddings!  Good to know LaDonna, Thank you!  

 

Ceremonies: Heritage theme weddings such as Chinese, Scottish or Italian. Of course,  Glamour is always "in" Check out the Crown Ballroom & Garden Court a hidden gem in downtown Portland and all-inclusive wedding venue with fabulous catering by Connor Catering.

Catering: Mini-Everything: cocktails, appetizers, truffles, even mini-hamburgers for a casual outdoor wedding.   

Cakes: Get Squared, as in square cupcakes and hexagonal shaped cakes! Black and white cakes are still in, as well as pink and blue hues. My personal favorite JaCiva's short for Jack and Iva's they have served local brides for over 30 years and created a three tier square cake for my wedding!  

Photography: Hit the Road; gather your wedding party and photographer in a spacious  Luxury Coach  and choose your favorite locations to create an amazing wedding album.  Mulnomah Falls, to Downtown Portland and beyond for the best backdrops all while traveling in style and stay looking perfect all day!   One of our favorite wedding photographers is Colleen Zoble, check out her fantastic wedding portfolio at www.zstudio.net  She photographed our wedding and are SO thankful she did!  Thanks Colleen!

Videographer:   Invest into a memory that you will cherish forever!  Bigler Productions is your resource for high quality wedding videos that will bring you back to your amazing wedding day year after year!                    

Outdoor Wedding Sites: Stay local; here in Oregon we are blessed with mountains, beaches, beautiful historic cities and gorgeous wine country!  What more could you ask for? We recently discovered the Mt Hood Bed and Breakfast a real jewel in Parkdale!  Looking for a classic Oregon venue?  Timbeline Lodge is a year-around beauty.

Decor: Rustic weddings, such as parks and unusual wooded settings are hot for 2009.  Think wind in the hair rustic, not hot dog rustic!  Stripes and pink are also at the top of the hot list! Need more inspiration?  Royce's Prop Shop has all the answers! 

After Parties: The VIP Party Bus is the most unique after party on wheels!   Guaranteed to keep your friends talking about your wedding for years to come!  Book the VIP PDX Party bus and let the party continue for you and your 30 closest friends into the wee hours.

Pre-Wedding Gatherings: Out of town guests will enjoy a tour of wine country, brew pub tour, or trip to the Columbia River Gorge.  Yes, you may live in Oregon, but out of town guests will appreciate that you have taken the time to plan excursions for them.  
 Congratulations Brides and please email us your favorite wedding trends! info@vippdx.com

Ultimate Wedding Guide:  Need more resources? For 19 years Mary Lou and her team have  provided brides the ultimate resource for planning Oregon weddings,the  Bravo! Wedding Guide, online and in hard copy it can be found at fine local book stores. 

Whatever your wedding plans for 2009, just remember it's YOUR day so relax and enjoy it,it goes so fast.  I would do it all again if I thought I could get away with it!

Jennifer Berry

8 years happily married 

Holiday Parties that ROLL!

Greetings!

Happy Holidays from VIP PDX.  Need a few budget friendly ways to entertain this season?  Look no further.  The VIP Coach is an ideal venue for co-workers, friends and family to gather and celebrate the magic of the season.  Try a few of our creative holiday party ideas below:

• Holiday Light Tours: includes hot chocolate & sweets, kids 12 and under ride FREE!  Minimums apply.  VIP Favorite: Winter Wonderland at PIR.

• Happy Hour Hop: bring all your favorite cocktails onboard the VIP Party Bus and let us drive as you enjoy Portland's best happy hour hot spots. VIP Favorite: Three Degrees 

• Urban Wine Tour: Love wine but want to stay close in?  Try an urban wine tour, there are several fantastic wine bars and wineries close to P'town, explore them all and let us be your designated driver!  VIP Favorite: Oswego Hills Winery

 Above events enjoy 3.5 hours on the VIP Party Bus for only $40 per person (minimum of 15 adults) OR create your own fabulous event with VIP PDX!  

Don't wait till Prom, winter dance season runs now thru February.  The VIP PDX Coach is the BIGGEST and the BEST party bus in Portland, with room for 30 guests, iPod compatible sound system, 3 flat screen TV's, 4 beverage stations and spacious bathroom, VIP PDX can't be beat!  Take advantage of our off season pricing.  7 hours of fun is under $52 per person with 30 guests.  Call our friendly staff for further details! 503.348.3233

Party Bus Birthdays!

Celebrating a special birthday?  Sweet Sixteen, 21st or 40th the VIP Party Bus will be a celebration to remember!  Take it from our guests........" I don't know how I will top this next year" Julie Andrade planned a surprise birthday party for her husband and it was a blast!

The VIP PDX Party Bus is like a private club on wheels!  Here are a few ideas get your "wheels" turning...

• Wine Tour
• Brew Tour
• Club Night on the Town
• Cosmic Bowling
• Ski/Snow Trip
• Casino Trip 
• Shopping Spree
• Spa Trip 
• Tailgating

Oregon Tailgating Party Bus!

It is official....football season in Oregon has arrived!  Take it from "The Tailgater" The Monthly Tailgating Webzine " If you are in the Northwest and need a fabulous tailgater and transportation contact VIP PDX "  Gather 25 of your friends to join you on board the VIP Bus, and enjoy tons of amenities including:

• Lounge Style Seating
  
• 4 Beverage Stations (bring all your own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages)
• 3 Flat screen TVs, one in the huge bathroom!
• DVD/CD player
• iPod compatible sound system (bring your iPod to plug into our system)
• Play station 2 gaming system (bring your guitar hero!)
• Spacious Modern Bathroom
• Complimentary bottled water and ice
• Catering on request or bring your own food!
• Professional driver
• VIP Host
  

Ask about packages which include catering for all your guests.  BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, macaroni salad, potato salad, fruit & rolls.  Half time snacks include BBQ meatballs, hot wings, chips and salsa.  

Whether you are a Oregon Duck football fan or Beavers football fan your group will be the envy of all. "As I like to say, VIP all the way, our VIP Coach is THE place to be on game day!" said Graham Berry owner of VIP PDX.

The VIP Coach is also available for Seahawk and Huskies games!