Former Bad Company bassist Paul Cullen trades arenas for aprons, rolling into homes across America with his guitar, chef’s knife, and signature wines. He and his partner Nina create multi-course meals, pour Lambrusco straight from their van, and cap the evening with a private concert by the fire.
Bassist–turned–winemaker Paul Cullen proves that great taste doesn’t stop at the stage. In this segment, Paul shares how he curates his wine label by partnering with top producers — including his latest Rockin’ Rosso Nebbiolo and the standout Roero Arneis from his Talafiero Cullen Art Series.
In this special trivia edition of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, Rusty Cellars takes the mic to host a fast-paced, fun-filled quiz based on our interview with Erica from A Story About Pizza. From hot peppers to heartfelt family moments, test your memory with multiple choice and true/false question…
Paul Cullen’s story isn’t your typical path into the wine business. It starts with a single voicemail, leads to a surprise phone call from Italy, and unfolds into a career importing and selling world-class Italian wines.
Rusty and Sour Grapes return for a frightfully fun Hallowine episode, mixing laughs with a splash of safety. From haunted vineyards to candy mishaps, the duo serves up spooky sips and practical Halloween tips.
Melanie of Cana Vineyards & Winery takes us behind the scenes of a small, hands-on cellar where she runs winemaking, vineyard work, Cana’s 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup win — the first modern-era woman to take the top prize.
A Thank You to Frank Racioppi — A Relentless Voice for Indie Podcasters I want to take a moment to thank someone who has done more for independent podcasting than most people realize: Frank Racioppi. Frank is one of those rare voices in the …
In his recent article, We Need a Shark Tank Show for Independent Podcasters, podcast advocate and storyteller Frank Racioppi pitched an idea that deserves real attention: a Shark Tank-style platform where indie podcasters pitch their shows to a pane…
Co-Host
Sour Grapes, a name that might make one question his parents' sense of humor, is a 75-year-old legend in the rolling hills of Sicily, Italy. Born and raised on a vineyard that has been in his family for generations, Sour's life has been steeped in the rich tradition of winemaking. His earliest memories are of running through the vineyards, dodging the adults' feet during harvest, and sampling grapes with a discerning palate even as a toddler.
Despite his sour moniker, Sour Grapes is anything but. His knowledge of the wine business is as deep and complex as a well-aged Chianti. From planting to pruning, crushing to fermenting, he’s done it all, often with a mischievous grin and a witty remark that would make even the sourest critic chuckle. His knack for turning every mishap into a comedic tale has made him a beloved figure not just in his village but throughout the region.
Sour has seen the wine industry evolve over the decades, from the rustic, manual methods of his youth to the high-tech, precision-focused practices of today. He's embraced the changes with a blend of skepticism and humor, often quipping that he’s seen more gadgets come and go than there are grapes in his vineyard. Yet, his own wines remain a testament to the traditional methods, with a quality and character that modern technology can't replicate.
When he's not tending to his grapes, Sour enjoys entertaining visitors with his endless stories, each more embellished than the last, and always with a glass of his finest vintage in hand. His secret to a long life? "A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away," he jokes, "and if the doctor shows up, offer him a glass too!"
Sour Grapes, with his infectious humor and vast wine wisdom, proves that life, much like a good wine, only gets better with age. Cheers to Sour, the heart and soul of Sicilian winemaking!