Cree Wine Company — Restaurant in Union

This was our first visit and we only wish we had a better explanation of how it all works at Cree which I will explain. Cree is located at the former Perryville Inn and has a very nice nostalgic charm from the outside and inside it is well decorated with a cozy feel. We did not have reservations, but, there was seating available either at a table booth area or the bar. With reservations the choices are much better as you can choose more of a lounge area and comfortable seating - which we will do for next time. Here is what makes Cree unique. The tasting sizes which come in 3oz or even 2oz when grouped with other wine brands, are available so that you then can either purchase a 6oz glass, a poured on premise (POP) bottle or retail bottle to bring home. The menu we received had options for group tastings and a few single wine options. What we did not know was that every tasting wine option had the 6oz glass, POP bottle and Retail (bring home) bottle available. Nonetheless all of my wines that were offered in the Cabernet Sauvignon Flight were very good.

We also were recommended a scallops dish, not realizing it was called scallop crudo, which are raw scallops. It looked fantastic but we generally don’t eat raw seafood.

Overall the service was good, and fortunately the bartender better explained that Cree is similar to going to a wine store and being able to taste the wine before purchasing a bottle - which made sense in the end.

The pricing is reasonable and comparable to any restaurant where you would purchase a bottle of wine, with the additional option of purchasing the bottle at a retail price if you were taking it home. We enjoyed this local spot and will be returning next time with a reservation and a better understanding for the...

Rarely do I take the time to write reviews, however, in the case of Chris Cree and Cree Wine Company, it is long overdue. I should begin by saying that I do not have any friends, family or colleagues at Cree Wine Company, but what I do have is access to amazing cooks, an exquisite chef, and an extraordinary master of wine. I have dined at Per Se, Eleven Madison and admittedly, I am very selective about where and what I eat and can tell you with the upmost certainty, the best restaurant outside NYC is here. They are both inventive and creative while still maintaining a balance between art as food and approachable cuisine. The menu changes frequently, as top restaurants do, due to preserving freshness and having the best ingredients at the time of preparedness. In addition, and perhaps even more impressive, is Chris Cree and his team of Sommelier. In all of my years of enjoying the art, I have never met someone so incredibly knowledgeable that is simply spot-on in their recommendations. From recommending bottles for parties, to their pairing on the menu, they are simply marvelous. There are no equals. I truly hope that this writing helps someone else discover this treasure and enjoy the finest dining experience...

Chris Cree is one of 57 Wine Masters in the United States and New Jersey's only person to attain this status. He is unassuming, understated, brilliant and nice....often a rare combo for a person with true wine expertise that is deep and proven. We enjoyed small plates and dinner and enjoyed the very cool and generous Wine Wednesday program offered, which offers all bottles for purchase without a corkage or restaurant mark-up....a huge savings. And Chris' collection is known far and wide for being interesting and expansive. Tom, who was on board for the wine program during our visit, is wonderful...fun, professional and knowledgable. Our small plates were delicious, edamame, burrata, and shishito peppers...each dish beautiful and fantastic. We then moved on to our meals....hamburger, crispy chicken and two of us enjoyed the scallops. A+++. The space is very attractive, with different rooms offering differing vibes. What a great space! They offer classes, special wine dinners, tastings, flights and private events. Take a ride to the former Perryville Inn and see how it has been transformed in to a must visit when living in or driving through NJ. Can't...