Unplugged and Uncorked promotes Nina Peery to eno envoy

Nina Peery knows a thing or two about wine. The Milton resident has been an oenophile for most of her adult life. “I love the story behind wine – how it’s made and who makes it,” she said.

Now she is telling the stories to others. Peery is the new eno envoy, or wine messenger, for Unplugged and Uncorked, the importing company started by Paul Cullen and Jim Rivette.

The company was founded to bring fine Italian wines to the mid-Atlantic region. Currently, there are three wines in the portfolio: Rosso di Toscana, a Sangiovese from Montalcino; Roero Arneis, a white grape varietal originating in Piemonte; and Barbera di Asti, an everyday red also from the Piemonte area.

Cullen plans to add a dry, fizzy chilled red called Lambrusco and an Italian rosé later this year.

“These are wines that most Americans haven’t been able to access until now,” said Peery, the former manager of Vineyard Wine Bar in Rehoboth Beach and Bacchus Wine Bar in Milton.

While working at Bacchus, she met Cullen, who was building a culinary business with at-home dining events followed by a concert. Cullen is the former bassist for the rock band Bad Company.

“I was impressed by Nina’s knowledge about wine and her experience in the hospitality industry,” said Cullen, a Buffalo, N.Y. native whose Italian cuisine is inspired by his grandmother, Elsie Tagliaferro.

Cullen recruited Peery to join his burgeoning businesses. Along with his wine and personal chef services, he owns Paul’s Kitchen, an Italian market and brunch spot, and the Room at Cedar Grove, a Lewes events venue. He also spearheads travel excursions to Italy.

Peery has worked with Cullen for the past five years. “He never lacks ideas,” she said. “They always involve food, wine and music – and who doesn’t love all three?”

Indeed, when Peery is not working, she often supports live local music or heads to a music festival.

In a short time, she has already gained traction in the wine marketplace. Unplugged and Uncorked wines are available locally at R&L Liquors in Lewes and Outlet Liquors in Rehoboth Beach.

For a full list of stores offering the wines, go to paulcullen.rocks/wine.