Beyond the Blend: Discovering Pinot Meunier as a Single-Varietal Champagne
For much of Champagne’s history, Pinot Meunier played a quiet supporting role. It was the reliable blending partner—valued for its resilience in the vineyard and its ability to soften the sharper edges of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But in recent years, more growers...
Kick off your Fall Garden
Autumn is one of the best times to kick‑off or refresh your backyard garden in North Texas. With cooler nights and warm days, many vegetables thrive now. Start by cleaning up your garden beds: remove spent summer plants, pull weeds, and add a 1–2 inch layer of...
Elevated Wine, Easygoing Vibe at Cooper’s Hawk
On a recent trip to Kansas City to visit family, we made a stop that became a highlight of our travels—Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Lee’s Summit. Cooper’s Hawk’s has a reputation for pairing approachable elegance with exceptional wine and cuisine, and our...
Blending Young Wines at Home: A Fun, Flavorful Experiment
Recently, I had the chance to attend a wine blending event featuring freshly bottled barrel samples from at my favorite wine establishment, The Wine Authority —and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. There’s something wildly satisfying about experimenting...
Well, I’m finally going to Napa Valley
Olivia Pope meme courtesy of Tenor I’m back! It’s been almost a year since I last wrote, and in that time, work, family, and a search for clarity about my passions have kept me busy. After some reflection, I’ve decided to focus on wine education and the sustainability...
Food, Community and Togetherness
PositiveVines delves into the realms of wine and agriculture within the global ecosystem. In late October, I immersed myself in the inspiring tapestry of sustainable farming, a profound connection with nature, and a shared commitment to positive change within...
A taste of history – French 75
Canon de 75mm – French 75 canon (courtesy of Wikipedia) Soixante-quinze Bonjour, mes amis! Today, we’re talking about the history of the beloved French 75 cocktail. The French 75 is a delightfully smooth blend of liquor and wine. But first,...
Sabers and Bubbles
9 types of Sparkling Wines: A guide to Champagne and More Nothing says special like a sparkling wine. Whether you are enjoying the sparkler as a form of self-care after a long day or are popping a bottle to celebrate life, the bubbles that tickle our noses makes this...
Fumé Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc with an American twist
New world or old world When offered a choice of Sauvignon Blanc, wine lovers may ask whether the varietal is produced in an old or new world wine region. Sancerre with its aromatic wines is an old world varietal coming from the Loire Valley. Pouilly-Fumé is a softer...
Sparkling wine in Oregon
Like bubbles in a glass, the passion to create sparkling wine in Oregon has long been in evidence. But not always at the forefront. That is changing. Winemakers are showcasing Oregon as a leader in producing sparkling wines in addition to featuring reasonable price...