A LEGACY IN THE MAKING

From early beginnings in the kitchen to becoming one of the country’s few Masters of Wine, the story behind Cree Wine Company is one of passion, evolution, and intention.

THE MASTER OF THE VINE

Chris Cree’s path into wine didn’t begin in a cellar, it began in the kitchen. Shaped by home-cooked meals, European influences, and an early curiosity for flavor, he developed a deep connection to food long before wine entered the picture. That curiosity quickly evolved when a high school job at a liquor store opened the door to buying, selling, and studying wine, what started as interest became obsession. It set the foundation for a career defined by ambition, instinct, and relentless pursuit, ultimately earning him the prestigious title of Master of Wine, one of the first in the United States, and still the only one in the state of New Jersey.

Approachable. Intentional. Unforgettable.

At Cree Wine Company, Chris has created something intentionally different - a space that feels both elevated and entirely welcoming. Inspired by years spent traveling, tasting, and sharing meals with winemakers, Chris set out to remove the intimidation often associated with wine culture. The result is an environment where guests are invited to explore—through thoughtfully paired dishes, curated flights, and a program designed to make discovery feel natural and enjoyable. What began as a tasting-driven concept has organically evolved into a full dining experience, shaped by both vision and the desires of the community it serves.

A STUDY IN FLAVOR AND FORM

Central to that philosophy is a commitment to small, family-owned producers, wines that reflect place, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Rather than mass-produced consistency, these wines offer expression of soil, climate, and the hands that made them. Paired with a food program rooted in seasonality, simplicity, and collaboration between kitchen and wine team, the experience becomes less about instruction and more about connection, between food, wine, and the people enjoying it.

Endlessly evolving. Effortlessly refined.

For Chris, what continues to inspire him is simple: the endless discovery. Wine is never static, and neither is the experience he’s built. Whether through a quiet dinner, a guided tasting, or a lively evening with friends, the goal remains the same, to create a space where people feel comfortable, curious, and genuinely excited to explore. Because at its best, wine isn’t just something you drink, it’s something you experience.