Cree Wine Company Launches Expanded Wine Education Classes

Master of Wine Chris Cree is excited to announce the launch of Celebration Wine Academy, a Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET)-approved program provider hosting wine certification courses at Cree Wine Company. The new wine school will complement Cree Wine’s award-winning wine program and offer classes for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Led by WSET-certified and award-winning wine educator Dina Given, the academy will offer three levels of classes, which will be delivered in-person at Cree Wine Company or online. Based in London, WSET is the largest and most respected wine education and certification organization of its kind in the world. More than 100,000 people each year pursue wine and spirits education through them across more than 73 countries.

“The goal of Celebration Wine Academy is to offer wine education for everyone, not just those in the wine industry,” said Given. “WSET qualifications are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirits knowledge. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in wine, already have a role in the wine industry and are seeking advancement, or are a passionate enthusiast interested in deepening your wine knowledge, our courses are offered from beginner through advanced certification.”

WSET Classes

Level One: An introductory course for those new to wine study. Students explore different styles of wines through sight, smell, and taste and learn the key principles involved in wine storage, service, and food and wine pairings.

Level Two: An intermediate course for those ready to go beyond the basics and take a deeper look at the world’s wine styles and regions. This course covers the principal grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce.

Level Three: An advanced qualification that allows students to gain an extensive understanding of wine and confidently explain wine style and quality. This course covers all the world’s major wine regions in-depth and provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and winemaking. The unique characteristics of each region are examined in detail, from their historical origins to their current-day regulations.

Participants of in-person classes will also enjoy waived restaurant corkage fees and discounts on purchasing bottles of wine at Cree Wine Company. Celebration Wine Academy’s WSET courses will complement the extensive educational classes and wine and spirits tastings and events already offered by Cree Wine Company.

“Wine knowledge leads to a greater appreciation and understanding of wine which elevates the entire experience,” said Cree, New Jersey’s only Master of Wine, who opened Cree Wine Company in 2022. One of Cree’s main objectives is to make wine more approachable with his relaxed approach and “non-snobby” environment.

The Cree Wine Company experience brings together the elements of a winery tasting room with an impeccable selection of wines from across the globe. In the wine bar and lounge, patrons can order a taste, a glass, a flight or a bottle. Cree carefully curates all the wines himself--from small family domains to top estates. Fifty wines by the taste or glass and 400 by the bottle are offered, along with a robust offering of Cree’s favorite top shelf spirits.

ABOUT THE CREE WINE COMPANY

Located in the newly reimagined and historic Perryville Inn, Cree Wine features an inviting wine bar with multiple tasting rooms, event space for social and corporate events, along with an online wine purchasing program featuring hundreds of carefully curated wines from all over the world.

The historic Perryville Inn underwent a one-million-dollar renovation to transform it into its newest incarnation. The “Brick Tavern,” as it was more commonly known, is more than two centuries old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1813, the Federal-style building first opened its doors 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 way for 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 has maintained the charm of the historic inn with its red brick façade, six stately original fireplaces, and some of the original wide plank pine flooring 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, along with 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.

Cree Wine Company is located at 167 Perryville Rd, Hampton, N.J. 08827. Hours of operation are: Wednesday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturdays: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Sundays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

ABOUT THE CELEBRATION WINE ACADEMY

Celebration Wine Academy is a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)-approved program provider based in Flemington, N.J., offering both in-person and online WSET Level 1-3 in Wine courses. Dina Given DipWSET, owner and certified educator, is the winner of the prestigious Gerard Basset Memorial Prize and McNee Tasting Trophy for her WSET exam performance. She also owns The Wine Diva LLC, a private wine events and consulting business. Given consults with Cree Wine Company on wine events, marketing and social media. For more information about Celebration Wine Academy, visit www.CelebrationWineAcademy.com or call 908-552-8443.