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The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast
Author: Forrest Kelly, Bleav
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© 2020 Forrest Kelly
Description
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast is a weekly podcast by Forrest Kelly exploring wineries around the world. We take 5 minutes and give you wine conversation starters and travel destinations. In addition, you'll hear candid interviews from those shaping the wine field. Join us as we become inspired by their search for extraordinary wine and wineries.
Voted One of The Best Travel Podcasts and Top 5 Minute Podcasts.
Voted One of The Best Travel Podcasts and Top 5 Minute Podcasts.
268 Episodes
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From the Stage to the CellarThis is the complete story of Paul Cullen — rock musician, private chef, world traveler, and the creative force behind Paul Cullen Wines.
Episode Highlights
Rock & Roll Roots: From Fort Myers dive bars to the global stage with Bad Company
From Bass to Chef’s Knife: How Paul built his in-home dining business, blending gourmet meals with live acoustic performances
Wines of the World: Creating his Italian label featuring the signature watercolor guitar design
️ Travel Adventures: Leading group trips through Tuscany, Sicily, and Cuba
️ Paul Kares Foundation: Helping kids pursue music and culinary dreams through scholarships and events
Coming Soon: Paul’s new cookbook Party Like a Rock Star — pairing recipes, playlists, and wine
Special Offer:Use promo code "5 minute" at paulcullenwines.com for 20% off every order, plus free shipping on 3 bottles or more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We wrap up our longest and most fun conversation yet. From creating his vibrant label artwork to launching his new cookbook Party Like a Rock Star, Paul shares how he keeps reinventing himself — one pour and one riff at a time.
Highlights:
The story behind Paul’s Party Like a Rock Star cookbook and how it’s redefining entertaining
How he designs his own labels — from watercolor guitars to embossed details
A generous listener offer: 20% off all wines with code- "5 minute" - paulcullenwines.com
Insta: @paulcullenrocks
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From Stage to Cellar — Former Bad Company bassist Paul Cullen has built a new career that blends his musical past with his love for culinary art and winemaking.
The Lineup — Paul walks us through his collection:
Roadie Prosecco – the spark that starts the show
Lambrusco – 100 years of family tradition
Arneis – “the little rascal” of Italian whites
Rock & Rosé – bold, Nebbiolo-based and ready to rock
Barbera d’Asti and Rock & Rosso – deep reds with attitude
Moscato d’Asti – a sweet encore with a dry finish
Behind the Pour — Paul shares stories of cooking for Ryan Phillippe, meeting David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, and the late Mick Ralphs — the bandmate who first poured him a glass of inspiration.
Favorite Destination — Tuscany — heaven on earth for food, wine, and soul.
Learn More: paulcullenwines.com
@thebestwinepod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What happens when a rock star trades tour buses for travel cruises?Paul Cullen — once the bassist for Bad Company — has reinvented his encore.
He’s the heart behind immersive food and wine journeys where guests sip, taste, and sing their way across Europe and beyond.
How it all began — from in-home dining to international group toursMusic meets travel — the rhythm of Tuscany, Sicily, and CubaThe experience — cooking, performing, and connecting with guestsNew adventures ahead — the upcoming 2026 Cuba trip launchAnd what it takes to blend passion, hospitality, and artistry on the road Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Before Paul Cullen was pairing fine wine with fine dining, he was rocking stadiums with one of the biggest bands of the ’90s — Bad Company. Paul to relives his favorite moments on tour — from getting the call to audition, to playing for 16,000 hometown fans in Buffalo, to the surreal feeling of seeing “local boy makes good” headlines in the paper. Paul also opens up about his deep love of music, sharing the bass players who inspired him most — from Jaco Pastorius to Geddy Lee — and the joy of performing songs that blended groove, jazz, and rock in perfect harmony.
Paul’s favorite moment on tour with Bad Company
The personal story behind his song “King for a Day”
Bass influences that shaped his sound
Why the band’s musicianship was a perfect fit for his style
Sneak peek into his next chapter beyond the stage
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Paul Cullen takes us behind the music — and into his heart.
Paul explains how he co-founded Paul Kares, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds scholarships, culinary training, and music opportunities for aspiring young artists. Paul recounts the unexpected phone call that took him from playing local gigs in Florida to joining Bad Company — complete with pint-fueled auditions, last-minute passports, and MTV-era fame.
Highlights:
The mission and impact of Paul Kares Inc.
Annual Concert for the Kids and Rock & Roll Golf Tournament fundraisers
The story behind Paul’s audition and whirlwind entry into Bad Company
Reflections on blending food, music, and philanthropy
A true story of how great talent can still lead to even greater good. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Paul Cullen’s story is a master blend of rock and vino. Once the bassist for Bad Company, Paul now tours the country as a private chef and winemaker whose “Culinary Concerts” bring a five-star experience right into your kitchen. He arrives with his partner Nina, a van full of ingredients and Lambrusco, and a set list that mixes classic hits with his own originals.
What to expect at a Cullen event:
Antipasti & charcuterie with up to 15 bites to start.
Seasonal soup or salad, handmade entrées, and decadent dessert.
Private concert by the fireplace or fire pit as Paul plays music and Nina handles cleanup.
Signature wines, like his dry, fizzy cold red Lambrusco and Rock & Rosso blend.
Paul shares how he and Nina run up to 20 events in 18 days, what keeps him energized, and why he’ll call out anyone talking during his set with a laughing “Eyes up here — one, two, three, eyes on me.”
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Paul’s approach to winemaking: choosing standout wines from trusted producers
His latest release: Rockin’ Rosso (Nebbiolo blend)
Listener review of Paul Cullen Roero Arneis from the Talafiero Cullen Art Series
Kris VoiceMail Wine Review
How the Private Chef Experience began “by accident” after a few dinner parties
Cooking on-site for clients across the U.S. — and even in Costa Rica and Aspen
The hands-on process: Paul and assistant Nina Carl prepare every meal personally
What guests can expect: a multi-course dinner, live music, and Paul’s wines — all in one night
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2 Rounds of trivia
Mix of multiple choice & true/false
Based on the Erica – A Story About Pizza interview
Topics Covered:
Erica’s family pizzeria origins
Marketing and viral TikTok success
Favorite pizza toppings & wine pairings
Her children’s book and legacy values
️Learn more: astoryaboutpizza.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How a casual chat at a restaurant led to a wine importing career. Meeting Italian producers and learning their stories firsthand. Designing a private label with his guitar on the bottle. The surprising speed of getting an import license—just 10 days! Launching with Arneis and Barbera d’Asti. A hint of a bigger reveal coming in a future episode
Paul Cullen Wines: PaulCullenWines.comthebestwinepodcast@gmail.com@thebestwinepodProduced by The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This Halloween, Rusty Cellars and Sour Grapes are stirring up more than just wine! In this special Hallowine episode, they deliver their signature blend of humor and wisdom — reminding listeners to stay safe while keeping their glasses full.
From trick-or-treat safety and party etiquette to a few haunted mishaps involving spilled Chianti, Rusty and Sour share ghostly giggles and “spirited” advice for a safe night of fun.
The dangers of “haunted driving” and broomsticks with headlights
A classy twist: How to host a Hallowine & Cheese Soirée
Costume party disasters and last-minute wine pairings
PSA from Bubbly Creek Winery: “The only spirits you should chase are in your glass.”
Stay safe, stay spooky, and always remember — if the glass fits, pour! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, Travel Podcast, and Music Podcast, each show brings unforgettable guests, rich storytelling, and expert insights… all in under five minutes.
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast – Every pour tells a story.
️ The Best 5 Minute Travel Podcast – Your boarding pass to the world, no luggage required.
The Best 5 Minute Music Podcast – The soundcheck before the spotlight.
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From Middleburg, VA’s horse country to the Governor’s Cup: Cana Vineyards winemaker Melanie shares her path from physical therapy to wine, why Virginia’s “Goldilocks” climate is tricky, and how Cana built a serious rosé program (plus Albariño!). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Paul Cullen’s journey from dry cleaning to dive bars to stadiums
How he pivoted from music to launching Paul Cullen Wines
The iconic voicemail exchange that started it all
Why pairing music and food is Paul’s true calling
A tribute to Paul’s parents—and the emotional moment his father saw him perform live
Musical influences: Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Geddy Lee
How Paul turned his love for hospitality into a lifestyle brand: travel, wine, and private dinners
Learn more about Paul at paulcullenwines.comReach out to the podcast: thebestwinepodcast@gmail.comFollow on Insta: @thebestwinepodBrought to you by The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Erica D’Arcangelo – Author of A Story About Pizza and My Big Loud Italian Christmas
The true story behind A Story About Pizza — how her grandfather’s dream became a 65-year family tradition.
Turning burnout into creativity: how Erica used marketing and storytelling to quadruple the family business.
From TikTok to tradition — how a viral video brought generations together.
Secrets to the perfect pizza dough and why simple ingredients make the best meals.
The art of pairing Lambrusco Frizzante and Margherita pizza.
Family, food, and purpose — why “passion rises best when you keep it in the family.”
Fun Facts:
The first pizza delivery was made for a queen in 1889.
Italy has over 34,000 pizzerias.
About 70% of the world’s wine is still made by family-run businesses.
Where to Find Erica:
Books: A Story About Pizza, Pietro’s Pizza, Pietro’s Pizza Toppings, My Big Loud Italian Christmas
astoryaboutpizza.com
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart
Produced by The Best 5 Minute Podcast Networkthebestwinepodcast@gmail.comthebestwinepodcast.com@thebestwinepod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Haunted vineyard cold-open with playful ghost banter
Hallowine party pairings:
Zinfandel + “bloody” meatballs
Cabernet + roasted pumpkin seeds
Cauldron sangria centerpiece (red wine, orange & apple “ghost” slices)
Glow-in-the-dark label trick turns your cellar into a paranormal hunt
Sour Grapes’ “adult trick-or-treat” porch bit—mini wine bottles for grown-ups
Sign-off: “Happy Hallowine” from Rusty & Sour
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Guest: Erica D’Arcangelo — Author of A Story About Pizza and My Big Loud Italian Christmas
Topics Covered:
The origins of A Story About Pizza and its connection to her family’s 65-year-old pizzeria
Secrets to light, airy, perfectly crispy pizza dough
Why simplicity — and family — make the best recipes
Italian wines that pair perfectly with pizza, from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to Lambrusco Frizzante
How family heritage inspires creativity, loyalty, and great food
Quote to Remember:Pizza fills the plate, wine fills the glass — and together, they fill the soul.
Pair It With: A classic margherita pizza and a chilled glass of Lambrusco Frizzante
Produced by The Best 5 Minute Podcast Networkthebestwinepodcast@gmail.comthebestwinepodcast.com @thebestwinepod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Guest: Erica D’Arcangelo — Author of A Story About Pizza and My Big Loud Italian Christmas
Topic: The perfect pairing of Italian pizza traditions and heartfelt family gatherings
Key Moments: The secret to light, airy, crispy pizza dough
Why simplicity makes the best sauce
The magic of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Lambrusco Frizzante
How family, food, and faith shape Italian culture
Quote to Remember: “Pizza fills the plate, wine fills the glass, and together they fill the soul.”
Perfect Pairing: A thin-crust margherita and a bubbly Lambrusco Frizzante
Produced by The Best 5 Minute Podcast Networkthebestwinepodcast@gmail.comthebestwinepodcast.com@thebestwinepod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Guest: Erica D’Arcangelo, Bestselling Author of A Story About Pizza and My Big Loud Italian Christmas
Topic: How Italian heritage, tradition, and storytelling blend together in food, wine, and family
Highlights:
How A Story About Pizza became an Amazon bestseller
The heart behind My Big Loud Italian Christmas
The joy and “noise” of growing up Italian
Why family loyalty and good food never go out of style
Pair it with: A glass of Chianti or Montepulciano, preferably around a loud dinner table
Produced by The Best 5 Minute Podcast Networkthebestwinepodcast@gmail.com@thebestwinepod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Erica, creator of A Story About Pizza. Together they explore the heritage and comfort behind two timeless staples — pizza and wine. Erica shares how family recipes, ovens, and traditions shaped her passion for pizza, while Forrest highlights the ways wine completes the experience and elevates everyday meals into lasting memories. From funny family moments to practical pairing insights, this episode celebrates the simple joys of food, storytelling, and gathering around the table. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


















