Master of Wine Chris Cree Announces Opening of Cree Wine Company

Chris Cree is New Jersey’s only Master of Wine.

Charcuterie board at Cree Wine Company

The new venue includes a wine bar, tasting rooms and hospitality space in the newly redesigned and historic Perryville Inn.

HAMPTON, NEW JERSEY, USA, Feb. 17, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — Chris Cree, New Jersey’s only Master of Wine, announces the opening of Cree Wine Company, a new wine bar offering a tasting experience unique to wine lovers. Located in the newly redesigned and historic Perryville Inn, the venue includes an inviting wine bar with multiple tasting rooms, event space for social and corporate events, and an online wine buying program offering hundreds of carefully selected wines from around the world.

“We are excited to provide a unique wine experience where people can taste, enjoy and learn about wines in a fun, laid back, relaxing and non-snobbish environment,” said Chris Cree. “The Cree Wine Company is truly the culmination of my 40 years in the wine industry.

The Cree Wine Company experience brings together the elements of a winery tasting room with an impeccable selection of wines from around the world. In the wine bar and lounge, guests can order a tasting, a drink, a flight or a bottle. “The opportunity to learn about wines from our knowledgeable staff and a full range of wine tasting dinners and events will not be missed,” Cree continued, noting that wines can also be purchased “to go.” “.

Cree carefully selects all the wines himself, from small family estates to large estates. Fifty wines by the taste or by the glass and 400 by the bottle are on offer, along with a robust offering of Cree favorite premium spirits.

Cree has been in the wine business for over 40 years, beginning when a trip to Europe after graduating from high school turned into a lifelong passion for wine. In 1996, he became the 13th American to pass the rigorous Master of Wine examination at the London-based Institute of Masters of Wine. Today, there are only 418 Masters of Wine in the world, of which only 56 work in the United States.

Cree’s storied winemaking career has included stints in retail, distribution, hospitality and education. He has traveled the world to learn and taste wine, but his roots are in New Jersey. Born in Plainfield, Cree grew up in Bridgewater and Flemington and is a long-time resident of Clinton. The opening of the Cree Wine Company in Hunterdon County is like going back to basics.

As wine takes center stage, the Cree Wine Company menu offers light, local farm-to-table fare, including charcuterie, artisan cheese platters, and a robust offering of delicious inspired small plates. of the season for thoughtful food and wine pairings. Special dinners and wine tastings are offered and the regular menu will change frequently so guests can experience something new and different each time they visit.

To help realize its culinary concept, Cree enlisted the talents of Executive Chef AJ Sankofa. A graduate of the Italian Culinary Masters Program at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Italy, Sankofa honed his craft in the kitchens of Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen in Morristown, the Michelin-starred Ristorante Larossa in Alba, as well as the restaurant Legacy Records. in Manhattan. A wine lover himself, Sankofa also harvested grapes at Foradori Winery while living in Italy.

The historic Perryville Inn has undergone a million dollar renovation to transform it into its new incarnation. The “Brick Tavern”, as it was more commonly known, is over two centuries old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1813, the Federal-style building first opened as an inn for weary travelers along the stagecoach route from Philadelphia to eastern New Jersey. It was built by Cornelius Carhart and named after Commodore Oliver Perry’s naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The Inn was moved a few miles from its original location in 1960 to make place at Interstate 78 and has been located at 167 Perryville Road ever since.

Working with New Jersey-based architect and designer Suzanne Perez, Cree’s vision maintained the charm of the historic inn with its red brick facade, six majestic original fireplaces and some of the pine floors. original wide plank with a modern farmhouse aesthetic to breathe new life into the structure. Modern elements include a warm and welcoming wine bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating and a modern take on the farmhouse table, as well as full audio-visual capabilities for educational events and tastings.

For more information about the Cree Wine Company, visit www.CreeWineCo.com or call 908-200-7772.
The Cree Wine Company is located at 167 Perryville Rd, Hampton, NJ 08827. Hours of operation are: Wednesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Kelly G. Vanasse
Kelly Communications
+1 908-392-2307
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