From Bad Company to Barbera: Paul Cullen on Italian Wine, Food Pairing & Reinvention

Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM.What happens when a rock star trades stadium tours for wine glasses?In this episode of The Sipping Point, I sit down with Paul Cullen, former bassist for the legendary rock band Bad Company, private chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Paul Cullen Wines. Paul shares how his passion for food and wine led him from the music industry to creating a portfolio of Italian wines that overdeliver on quality, value, and personality.We dive into the stories behind his wines, the inspiration for his guitar-themed labels, and why exploring lesser-known grape varieties can transform the way you buy and enjoy wine. Along the way, Paul shares memories from life on the road with Bad Company, his favorite food and wine pairings, and the wine myths he wishes more people would stop believing.Whether you're a wine lover, music fan, or someone considering your own second act, this conversation is packed with great stories, practical wine advice, and plenty of inspiration.In this episode you'll learn:• How Paul transitioned from professional musician to wine entrepreneur• The story behind Paul Cullen Wines and its Italian roots• Why Paul Cullen Rosé, Lambrusco, and Rosso deserve a place on your table• Food pairing ideas that make wine more approachable and enjoyable• Common misconceptions about decanting and wine aeration• Why wine tastings are one of the best ways to discover new favorites• Paul's go-to wines and advice for adventurous wine drinkersPlus, we chat about my upcoming Something to Wine About® wine comedy show at The Room at Cedar Grove on July 10.Support the showFollow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode!Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more.Let's Stay Connected:Instagram @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster