Examiner.com

As every western Loudouner knows, the options for perfect little date spots are pretty sparse.  It's difficult to find warm, comfortable, cozy settings where it's possible to talk in relative privacy, get a little taste of luxury, and stay within a budget.

Now there is a new and wonderful option--Sunset Hills Winery.  This is a place that is just as delightful for a first date as it is for a Sunday-afternoon get-together with a table full of friends.

Every Sunday afternoon, from 2-5 p.m., Sunset Hills offers "Wine and Song Sundays": $7 tastings of its exquisite variety of wines--while an acoustic guitarist plays folk, alternative, or country selections in the background (maybe a teeny bit too loudly, but with lots of heart).

Sunset Hills is set on a historic farm, just a few miles north of Rt. 7 off Berlin Turnpike (Rt. 287).  From the steps of the exquisitely refurbished barn/tasting room, winery guests can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge and Short Hills Mountains.

The tasting is fun--and full of interesting little tidbits...such as the process by which "unoaked chardonnay" is produced--and comparisons between the soil of the Loudoun and Shenandoah Valleys. 

Once you've finished the tasting, give the host your email address--and all of your purchases will count toward a frequent-buyer perk of unlimited free tastings and 15% discounts off the wines.  You and your date should then take full advantage of the rich, warm-toned barn interior--by having a glass of your favorite wine along with a basket of bread and a block of Amish cheese.  (Ask for a free cheese-sample plate.  They keep a bunch refrigerated just to help with that all-important decision.)

Then go find a table in the corner, soak up the acoustic guitar music, chat, sip, admire the watercolors adorning the walls (by local artist Alex Carr), and enjoy the overall glow of the place.  Sunset Hills Vineyard is a radiant addition to the small collection of western Loudoun's great places to relax, eat, drink, and converse.