More than ten years ago, I met Paul Cullen, former Bad Company bassist who had entered his next stage as a chef focusing on Italian recipes paired with Italian wines. At the time, Paul already had a reputation on the East Coast of being engaging and entertaining but also as someone who had an art for creating delicious dinners to satisfy anyone’s palate. A four-course dinner prepared in the clients’ kitchen and served on the patio, dining room, or wherever was followed by a concert of Paul’s favorite songs from Bad Company and his collection. In fact, Paul came to my house as a friend and private chef and guests are still raving about that very special night. (And so am I.)
Now, Paul Cullen has made his brand even more intriguing by venturing into travel, crafting his own wines, and establishing a nonprofit for young adults in the arts along with his private chef experiences.
Hosting multiple trips to Italy and beyond? Creating his own wine label? Leaning into philanthropy to assist those whose passions of music and culinary art align with his? Heightening his culinary experiences to such degree that they are highly sought after? Meet Paul Cullen who has perfected the art of blending passion and creativity!
Photo Credit: Paul Cullen Wines
Paul Cullen’s Story
From the stage to the kitchen to the wine cellar to travel destinations, Paul has reinvented himself to become a household word to those in the know.
Paul saw Bad Company live in Buffalo, New York in 1976 and many years later, he toured with the band nationally and internationally, often playing to crowds of 4,000 to 55,000 people a night! “The road taught him timing, instiinct, and how to read a room. Europe introduced him to the food, wine, and hospitality that would shape everything after the last encore.” When Paul launched his private chef business in 2014, he paid homage to his grandmother’s Italian cooking with recipes he still uses today. From its inception to now, over 16,000 guests have had Italian food and wines thanks to Paul.
Travels through Italy and his serious wine studies (Paul earned his WSET Level 2 certification and an import license) afforded him the opportunity to forge relationships with small family producers who helped Paul with the ability to offer authentic, approachable wines for any table. In turn, Paul’s “Cullen-ary” trips “turn the places behind the bottles into part of the experience: intimate dinners, family-run cellars, local producers, and the stories that never make it onto a label. It is not a standard tour. It is Paul’s table on the road-food, wine, music, and a small group welcomed into the places he returns to again and again.” What’s not to appreciate about Paul’s story that demonstrates his resilience and persistence to achieve?
For links to his travel opportunities, wines, and more, click HERE.
Approachable, Affordable Paul Cullen Wines and Italian Foods for Pairing
It was about three years ago that I had a chance to taste Paul’s wines and the five wines sent as samples recently were just as affordable and approachable. Each could be opened any night of the week for a casual meal or at an elegant dinner party with friends or family. To shop for these wines, please click HERE.
Bright acidity and persistent bubbles were delightful in his Prosecco ($19.99). Aromas and flavors of stone fruit, lemon, and citrus were fresh with notes of minerality and hint of salinity. Pair with Paul’s recipe for whipped ricotta, citrus on a crostini sprinkled with pistachios. Just wow!
Rockin’ Bianco Chardonnay ($19.99) was shared with my book club ladies one night and not only did all love Paul’s story, but the wine was a hit, too. Balanced with vibrant acidity and oak notes, the orchard fruit flavors, herbs, and lingering finish were a lovely complement to our host’s homemade lasagna.
Another fresh and balanced offering was Chianti 2024 ($19.99) that had all of the traditional characteristics of a solid Sangiovese. On the nose and palate, I found notes of spice, oregano, and tomato on a foundation of moderate tannins and acidity. Paul suggests sipping with bites of tomato and hot pepper bruschetta.
Of course, Paul named one of his wines Rock and Roll Fantasy ($19.99). Intense aromas of spice, dark red fruit, and red florals were an enticing entry. Mouthwatering with medium acidity and firm tannins, notes of white pepper, spice, and red and purple fruit led to a lingering finish. He suggests enjoying a few glasses with a grilled ribeye with garlic salt and charred onions, but my husband and I swirled and sipped this wine with juicy burgers still sizzling from the grill. Next time!
Last but not least is Barolo DOCG 2021 ($47.99), a delicious pairing with black garlic and balsamic short ribs with polenta. Moderate tannic structure and just-right acidity framed this bold and balanced wine. Notes of spice, rich red and black fruit, herbs, and earth on the nose and palate were just what Friday night was waiting for.
As you can imagine, it was an unbelievable experience to play with an iconic Rock Band that I grew up listening to. In fact, in 1976 I saw them in live in Buffalo. If my friend would have said “You are going to play with those guys one day” I would have said, “Are you high?” – which we probably were. It was a rollercoaster ride for sure. Rockin’ in front of 4,000 to 55,000 fans per night, staying in Ritz Carlton Hotels, riding in million-dollar tour buses and making some serious cash!! As equally as it was amazing, it was devastating when it ended. Luckily, I made it through the tough times and somehow (by hard work) reinvented myself. I am blessed to have an amazing life with my lovely wife Bonnie. Paul Cullen
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Photo Credit: Paul Cullen Wines
