Author: PositiveVines

Kick off your Fall Garden

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 

Elevated Wine, Easygoing Vibe at Cooper’s Hawk

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 visit 

Blending Young Wines at Home: A Fun, Flavorful Experiment

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 with two or more wines to develop a drink that suites your palate.

Two wines that I chose to Blend

Now to be transparent? I went full DIY at the event. I simply poured two wines and eyeballed exactly half into a new glass. Did I measure? No. Was it scientific? Also no. But hey—my glass was full, and that’s the kind of math I can get behind. (Though for the record, winemakers everywhere probably just clutched their barrels in horror.)

Blending wines—especially when they’re this young and expressive—is like adult chemistry class, but way more fun and delicious. You start with vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon, structured Merlot, maybe a splash of Cab Franc or Petit Verdot. Each brings its own vibe, and the magic is in finding that balance—tannins, acid, body, and those surprise floral or earthy notes that pop mid-sip. Or in my case a Nebbiolo and Syrah.

What I love most is how personal the process is. You’re not just sipping—you’re shaping something that reflects your palate. Tasting side-by-side with friends makes it even better. It sparks conversation, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the craft behind every bottle. My youngest daughter attended the event with me and she was pleasantly surprised by the blending.

If you ever get the chance to blend young wines at home, do it. You’ll walk away with a new respect for winemakers—and maybe even your own house blend to brag about. And don’t be afraid to let people know that it’s your creation.


Tips for a Great Home Blending Session

  • Use measuring cups or pipettes for accuracy (trust me, eyeballing is fun but not repeatable)
  • Take notes as you go so you can recreate your favorite ratios later
  • Smell before tasting—young wines can be full of surprises
  • Set the mood with music, friends, and snacks for a true blending bash

Want to Blend Wines Near Dallas?

If you’re in the DFW area and want to take your wine blending to the next level, check out these local spots:

These spots are perfect for a date night, girls’ night out, or just a great excuse to sip and experiment.


Curious? Inspired? Ready to host your own blending night? Let me know how it goes—I’d love to feature your blend on PositiveVines.com!

Cheers to curiosity, creativity, and good wine.

#DrinkResponsibility #PositiveVines #TheWineAuthority

Food, Community and Togetherness

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 underserved communities at the 11th Annual 

A taste of history – French 75

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, let’s get one thing straight – this concoction is not named after a firearm. It actually gets its name from a World War I-era French 75mm field gun. So if you’re looking for a place to put your guns down and raise your glasses up, you’ve come to the right place.                                                                                                                            
The story goes that the French 75 cocktail was first created in Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during World War I.  American soldiers would come in and order martinis, but the bartenders at Harry’s wanted to mix things up a bit. They substituted gin for the vodka and added some lemon juice and sugar. They then topped it off with champagne to give it a little extra oomph – because, let’s face it, everything is better with bubbles.

 

 

          

The Basic Recipe 

 

Today, the most popular recipe for the French 75 is a little more refined. Here’s what you’ll need:                                                                                        
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
– Champagne (about 4-6 oz)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice until well mixed. Strain it into a coupe or champagne flute and top it off with champagne. For a little extra flair, garnish it with a lemon twist. Et voila!

 

Diversity in liquors and update the name

Remember when I said at the beginning that the French  75 is delightfully smooth? Perhaps I should have used the term “deceptively smooth” to warn you not to drink it too fast and don’t forget that it has a real kick.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               If you are willing to experiment with your liquor and juice options why not have some fun with it? Try out some of these variations:                                                                                                                                         
– The French 76: Swap out gin for vodka.
– The French 85: Add a splash of orange juice.
– The French 95: Substitute bourbon for gin.
– The French 99: Use tequila instead of gin and add a splash of lime juice.                                                        – The French 125: Go with a V.S.O.P Cognac (super yummy and sweet).                                                             You can also change up the Champagne with Cava or Prosecco for a taste twist.                                                         
So there you have it – the origins of the French 75 cocktail, plus some fun twists to give it a little extra pizzazz. Now go forth and enjoy, my friends. Santé!

    #french75 #drinkresponsibily #positivevines #lovelife