Cree Wine Company

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Master of Wine at the Helm

Cree Wine Company was founded by Chris Cree, New Jersey's only Master of Wine and one of only a handful holding that distinction in the entire country. That credential isn't a marketing flourish — it shapes everything at this Hampton wine bar and kitchen, from the 800-plus bottle list curated personally by Chris and his team, to the educational events and WSET classes offered on-site. Wine writer Dorothy J. Gaiter, who first encountered Chris at a Manhattan retail store in the 1990s, put it plainly: "He couldn't have been more charming or less snobbish." That spirit carries through to the room today.

The Wine Program

The list is the centerpiece, and it earned Cree Wine Company the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence — recognition that reflects both the breadth and the curation behind the selection. Over 100 wines and spirits are available by the flight, glass, or taste, spanning everyday-accessible bottles to fine and rare collectibles. Critically, bottle prices are set at retail plus a corkage fee, skipping the 200–400% markups common elsewhere. Wines can also be purchased to go or ordered online for pickup, delivery, or shipping to most states.

Food and Atmosphere

The kitchen runs a seasonal American menu — dinner service Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m., with lunch added on weekends. Chef Justin's dinner menu is designed for multi-course evenings, with curated wine flights matched to each course and table-side bottle service available. A bistro menu rounds out the more casual options. On Sunday afternoons, the patio comes alive with live music from 3 to 6 p.m., making it a natural stop for a relaxed glass in the open air.

Beyond the Table

Cree Wine Company functions as more than a restaurant. The Wine Studio and Lounge host private events — birthdays, bridal showers, corporate gatherings — with bespoke planning support from the team. A regular calendar of wine tastings, producer dinners, and formal WSET certification classes makes this a genuine resource for anyone serious about American wine culture, whether they're just starting out or deepening an existing passion.