The historic Perryville Inn is now Cree Wine Company, a new wine bar and unique tasting experience for wine lovers. This venture is the latest from Chris Cree, New Jersey’s only Master of Wine. In fact, he is one of 56 active Master of Wines in the country, among only 418 worldwide. The space offers curated wines and small plates in a modern setting.
Cree Wine Company features a wine bar with multiple tasting rooms, plus event space for social and corporate events. The business also offers an online wine purchasing program featuring wines from all over the world. The idea is to give wine lovers a better way to experience, taste, and purchase wine; where guests can expand their knowledge and appreciation of wine, all while having fun and enjoying a glass.
More from Best of NJ
A Landmark Renovation
During the development of Cree Wine Company, Perryville Inn underwent a $1 million renovation. The Inn – which is more than two centuries old – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The current design maintains the Inn’s original charm in a number of ways; including keeping the red brick facade, six original fireplaces, and some of the original wide plank pine flooring.
However, its modern elements include a wine bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a modern take on the farmhouse table. Cree Wine Company also has audio-visual capabilities for events and tastings. “It’s classy but not snobby or over the top,” Cree explains. “People walk in and say, ‘Wow.’ It’s such a stark change from what it was.”
Cree Wine Company also offers wine experiences like in-person or virtual wine classes, special tastings, and cooking classes. They can further create custom wine classes, private events, or dinners, and offer a monthly wine subscription service. Check out the Cree Wine Club for details.
Wine and Light Bites
Cree carefully curates all the wines himself, and the list ranges from small family-owned wineries to top estates. Cree Wine Company offers nearly 60 wines by the glass, in addition to almost 600 by the bottle. Likewise, they stock Cree’s favorite top shelf spirits like whiskies, bourbons, and cognacs. As for the price range, Cree says “These are affordable wines,” which encourages patrons to try something new. “People are so willing to try unique and lesser-known wines,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Cree Wine Company has an online collection which curates wines from artisan growers around the world; the collection includes everything from everyday, affordable wines to fine and rare collectibles. But what every wine has in common is that it’s tasted and approved by Cree and his wine team. The online selection is available for pickup, shipping, or local delivery.
Though the wine takes center stage, Cree Wine Company has a menu of small plates. This includes local farm-to-table fare such as charcuterie, artisan cheese platters, and small plate pairings. The regular menu will change seasonally to complement featured wines. Cree’s current favorite is the game charcuterie plate with duck, elk, wild boar, and venison.
Visit Cree Wine Company at 167 Perryville Rd in Hampton. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.
Click here to find the latest restaurants open in New Jersey.
Cree Wine Company FAQs
Yes, they take reservations.
They have gluten-free pasta, yes.
Yes, they have vegetarian dishes.
They offer takeout for wine as well as pasta dishes, yes.
Cree Wine Company offers delivery for wine, but not food.
Yes, they serve wines and other spirits.
All Photos: © Cree Wine Company
