Highlights
Toast to International Ties: Freeman Wines Featured at State Department
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, we had the honor of presenting our wines during a luncheon at the State Department, hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris to celebrate the visit of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. Esteemed attendees included Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Featured wines were the 2022 Ryo-Fu West Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and the 2021 Akiko's Cuvee West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, both of which paired exquisitely with the seasonal menu, enhancing the culinary experience.
This prestigious event was not only a profound honor but also a testament to the deep cultural ties between the United States and Japan. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a significant occasion and look forward to fostering further connections through our shared appreciation for fine wine.
Historic Award for Akiko Freeman: The Green & White Medal for Agricultural Excellence
Akiko Freeman was recently honored with the Green & White Medal for Agricultural Excellence, becoming the first woman ever to receive this prestigious accolade. The ceremony, held at the Japanese Consul General’s residence in Los Angeles, recognized her for being the first Japanese winemaker with a wine served at the White House and her transformative approach to organic farming. Shinkichki Koyama, who presented the award, said of Akiko, “She worked very hard to achieve the best growing conditions on the property — irrigation, ensuring that the soil was well-drained and well-oxygenated — all with the long-term vision to produce better grapes under organic farming protocols.” Her efforts have significantly contributed to the agriculture sector, reinforcing Japan-USA relations. This milestone achievement underscores Akiko's pioneering role in the field.
We are honored that the White House featured our Ryo-fu Chardonnay at a recent State Dinner welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the United States.
LE.PAN: The small Sonoma winery with Asian ambitions; “We don’t manipulate anything. We just try to grow the best fruit and bring out the best of it. That’s our philosophy.”
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Food & Wine
Meet the New Generation of Japanese Winemakers in California
Freeman Vineyard & Winery is honored to be featured in Food & Wine's article, “Meet the New Generation of Japanese Winemakers in California.” The piece highlights the inspiring journeys of our winemaker and proprietor, Akiko Freeman, and associate winemaker, Eiji Akaboshi. Akiko's Tokyo roots and passion for precision have shaped Freeman’s award-winning wines, while Eiji draws on a remarkable family legacy—tracing back to Kanae Nagasawa, one of California’s pioneering Japanese winemakers. Together, they bring a shared commitment to bridging cultures through exceptional craftsmanship, as seen in wines like our Ryo-Fu Chardonnay and Yu-Ki Pinot Noir. |
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Club Oenologique Magazines
On Sonoma’s appellation trail
...West Sonoma Coast producers are familiar to a certain type of wine lover: Hirsch, Failla, Littorai, DuMol, Paul Hobbs, Peay, Freeman and Cobb. In Pursuit of Balance, a crusade to bring restraint to California Pinot and Chardonnay, originated here. Many vineyards are long-established: Cobb Coastlands and BA Theriot (of which more later) were planted in 1989, Peay in 1998, Hirsch in the early ‘80s. Andy Peay, who bought a sheep ranch in the mid-1990s and planted to Chardonnay and Pinot, says the weather can be ‘frankly hostile’. His Chardonnay is intense, ripe and precise with an oyster-shell texture. Yields are low – ‘we’re not interested in big and bold,’ he says. |
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Restaurant Wine
Restaurant Wine Reviews Freeman Wines
2022 ‘RYO-FU’, GREEN VALLEY, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY + These 2022 Chardonnays are wonderful wines and great values. The Ryo-Fu (Japanese for ‘cool breeze’, i.e, from the Pacific Ocean that sweeps RRV vineyards) is supple, full bodied, and finely balanced, with floral and fruity flavors (white peach, honey, lemon peel, vanilla, pineapple), and a long, crisp finish. Enjoyable now, but can age further. Grapes from the renowned Heintz Ranch and Dutton Ranch Shop Block vineyards. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 9% new. 505 cases. 12.8% [2025-2027] ª The Hawk Hill is exceptional: ripe and supple in style, with excellent depth of flavor (white peach, pineapple, vanilla, toast, honey, oak), great balance, and a long, vibrant finish. Very fine quality and value. Warrants further aging. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. Clone: UCD 4. 206 cases. 13.7% [2026-2028] The 2021 Pinot Noirs from Freeman are among its very finest yet. All have intense, distinctive character, good depth of flavor, and wonderful length. The 2021 West Sonoma Coast is a very fine wine at the price. It is medium full bodied, fragrant, and very distinct in flavor (rose petal, cherry, plum, white pepper, black tea, toast), finely balanced, and long on the finish. Great value; warrants another year or two of aging. Five day cold soak. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 28% new. Entirely from the Yu-ki Estate vineyard. Clones: Calera, Mt. Eden, Wadenswil 2A, Mariafeld 23, and Dijon 114, 667, and 828. 680 cases. 12.8% [2025-2028] ª The RRV is terrific: a beautifully balanced, moderately intense wine with cherry, plum, rose petal, black tea, and oak flavors, and a very long, harmonious finish. Enjoyable now, and likely at its best in 2025 and beyond. 5 day cold soak. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. Vineyard sources: 47% Gloria Estate, 35% Pratt, 18% KR Ranch. 1,144 cases. 13.5% [2025-2028] ª The 2021 KR Ranch is outstanding: a full bodied, ripely flavored wine with fine depth, excellent flavor (black cherry, raspberry, black tea, rose petal, mint, cedar, oak), and a very long, mildly tannic finish. Still evolving, can be aged further. Excellent value. 5 day cold soak. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Clones: 85% Mariafeld (23), 15% Dijon 777. 264 cases. 14% [2026-2030] ª The 2021 Gloria Estate is exceptional: full bodied, medium rich, and very long on the palate, with refined aroma and flavor (rose petal, cherry, red licorice, black tea, guava), fine balance, and long and persistent on the finish. Warrants another two+ years of aging. 5 day cold soak. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 24% new. Clones: Dijon 115, Swan, Calera, Pommard, Martini. 494 cases. 13.1% [2026-2030] ª The 2021 Yu-Ki (named for the owner’s nephew, which in Japanese also means ‘courage’ and ‘big tree’) is full bodied, intense in flavor (black cherry, rose petal, blackberry, black tea, toasted oak), and long and lightly tannic on the finish. Exceptional; likely at its best in 2026 and beyond. One of the winery’s best-ever Pinot Noirs, from estate vineyards above the town of Occidental, 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. 5 day cold soak. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. Clones: Mariafeld 23, 114, 667, 828, Wadenswil 2A. 445 cases. 13.1% [2026-2030] |
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North Bay Business Journal
Akiko Freeman Receives Excellence in Winemaking Award
We are thrilled to announce that Akiko Freeman, has been awarded the Excellence in Winemaking Award by NorthBay Biz and The Press Democrat. This prestigious honor recognizes Akiko's exceptional dedication and her significant contributions to the wine industry. At Freeman Winery, winemaking is Akiko's passion and calling. Each bottle of wine crafted under her leadership reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and the unique spirit of our vineyards. We are immensely proud of her achievements and grateful for this recognition. |
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Press Democrat
North Bay Business Journal’s Women in Wine of 2024 - Excellence in Winemaking Award: Akiko Freeman
North Bay Business Journal’s annual Women in Wine Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of female winemakers and wine industry professionals in the North Bay. This is the second year for this event with nominations in categories that include: Impactful Leader, Rising Star, and Excellence in Sustainability. "I am honored to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women in the wine industry through our Women in Wine Awards 2024,“ said Lorez Bailey, North Bay Business Journal publisher. ” This event not only highlights their remarkable achievements but also inspires the next generation of female leaders in wine. We are thrilled to host this prestigious event at the historic MacMurray Ranch, providing a beautiful backdrop to honor these exceptional women who have made indelible marks on the wine world.” Award winners were selected by a panel of judges and assessed by their excellence in wine growing achievements, leadership, and career impact. They will be honored at a networking and awards event June 6 at MacMurray Ranch in Healdsburg. Inspirational Leader Award: Honoring a trailblazing woman within the wine industry who not only excels in her role but also serves as a source of motivation and empowerment to others. – Rachel Ashley, senior vice president of supply, Treasury Wine Estates – Anisya Thomas Fritz, proprietor, Lynmar Estate Winery – Leslie Frank, co-founder, Frank Family Vineyards Excellence in Winemaking Award: Recognizing a female winemaker who has demonstrated exceptional skills, innovation, and consistency in producing high-quality wines. – Jessica Koga, winemaker, Schramsberg Vineyards – Maggie Kruse, head winemaker, Jordan Vineyard & Winery – Akiko Freeman, co-owner and winemaker, Freeman Vineyard & Winery Rising Star Award: Awarding a promising newcomer who has already shown remarkable potential and early accomplishments in any area of the wine industry. – Melissa Smith, owner, Enotrias Excellence in Sustainability Award: Recognizing a woman who has made significant strides in promoting and implementing sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the wine industry. – Sarah Wuethrich, winemaker, Maggy Hawk and WindRacer – Chris Kajani, president and winemaker, Bouchaine Vineyards Trailblazer Award: Celebrating a woman’s pioneering spirit, groundbreaking contributions, and forward-thinking innovations that have pushed the boundaries of winemaking, viticulture, or the wine business. It honors the role of a visionary driving positive change and setting new standards within the wine world. – Philana Bouvier, president, Demeine Estates – MJ Dale, CEO, Customer Vineyard Impactful Leader Award: Recognizing a woman who has significantly influenced and positively transformed her field. Through her actions, innovations, and dedication, she has left a lasting mark on the industry and inspired others to drive meaningful change. – Lauren Wong, vice president of sales and marketing, Aperture Cellars – Jessica Limon, senior manager of trade and consumer hospitality, E. & J. Gallo Winery – Violet Grgich, president and CEO, Grgich Hills Estate Winery Heart of the Community Award: Celebrating a woman who has made significant contributions to her local wine community through advocacy, events, and outreach. – Drea Helfer, president, DH Wine Compliance – Linda Mayberry-Chavez, CEO, Chavez Family Cellars Excellence in Winegrowing Award: Recognizing those who demonstrate exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication in wine growing, celebrating their expertise and commitment to cultivating the finest quality grapes. – Karin Warnelius-Miller, proprietor, winegrape grower and winemaker, Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards & Winery Legacy Award: This distinguished award honors a woman whose enduring contributions and lifelong dedication to the wine industry have left an indelible legacy. Through her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment, she has shaped the industry's future, paving the way for future generations of women in wine. – Kimberlee Nicholls, winemaker, Markham Vineyards – Linda Trotta, vice president for global winemaking and sourcing at WX Brands, winemaker at Bread & Butter Wines To purchase tickets: Get tickets here. |
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Madame FIGARO.jp
ホワイトハウスが認めた醸造家、アキコ・フリーマンのワインとは？
この4月、岸田文雄首相の米国訪問の際、公式昼食会で供されたのがカリフォルニアで日本人の女性醸造家が造るワイン。優雅さと品格に満ちたワインを生み出すアキコ・フリーマンとは？
2024年4月の岸田文雄首相の訪米は記憶に新しいが、実は11日にカマラ・ハリス副大統領が開催した岸田首相を招いてのアメリカ国務省公式昼食会でふるまわれたのが、カリフォルニアで日本人女性醸造家アキコ・フリーマンが造る「フリーマン・ヴィンヤード&ワイナリー」のワインだったのだ。レセプションにはスパークリングのフリーマン ユーキ・エステート ブラン・ド・ブラン ソノマ・コースト2020が登場、コースに合わせてフリーマン 涼風 シャルドネ グリーン・ヴァレー・オブ・ロシアン・リヴァー・ヴァレー 2021やフリーマン アキコズ・キュヴェ ピノ・ノワール ウエストソノマ・コースト 2021がサービスされた。来賓にはアントニー・ブリンケン国務長官やピート・ブティジェッジ運輸大臣などアメリカの政財界の要人たち。そしてそこにはワイナリーオーナーのケン・フリーマンとアキコ・フリーマン夫妻の姿もあった。アキコはこの時の心境をこう語っている。 「私たち夫婦は、このような記念すべき日に参加できて幸せでした。アメリカは日本と素晴らしい関係にあり、私たちが微力ながらその関係に貢献できていると思うと、素晴らしい気分です。多くのビジネス・リーダーや政治家たちと同席できたことは刺激的でしたし、仲間意識や両国の将来に対するヴィジョンを共有できたことは、控えめに言っても感激でした」 ワイナリーの設立は2001年のこと。以前はニューヨークに在住、ケンは銀行員として、アキコはメトロポリタン美術館でエデュケーターとして活躍していた。その後、ケンの転勤でカリフォルニアへ移住。もともとワイン好きだったふたりは、週末にワイナリー巡りを楽しみながら「いつか自分たちのワイナリーを」という夢を抱くようになったのだ。そしてその夢は結実、アキコは"師匠"である醸造家エド・カーツマンの教えを受けながら、実地でブドウ栽培とワイン造りを学んでいった。ケンはアキコをバックアップ、経理や管理などのいっさいを担い、夫婦二人三脚でワイナリーを成長させた。 無名だったアキコのワインが一躍世に踊り出たのは2015年4月のこと。安倍晋三元首相渡米の際に開かれたバラク・オバマ元大統領主催の晩餐会で、フリーマン 涼風 シャルドネ グリーン・ヴァレー・オブ・ロシアン・リヴァー・ヴァレーがサービスされたのだ。日本人醸造家のワインがホワイトハウスで使われたのは初めてのこと。現地のメディアはこぞってこのワインを紹介したが、皆が驚いたのは、その豊かな香りとエレガントな味わいだったのだ。 フリーマン・ヴィンヤード&ワイナリーはソノマでも最も冷涼といわれるロシアン・リヴァー・ヴァレーの西に位置する。ブドウ品種はシャルドネとピノ・ノワールで、果実は豊かでありながらもどこか涼やか、ピュアな酸味との調和が素晴らしい。ピノ・ノワールは知性を感じさせつつもどこかセンシュアル、シャルドネは透明感のある味わいで、煌めくようなフレッシュ感が印象的だ。ワインは造る人の個性も表すというが、美的センスに長け、人との繋がりを大切にする彼女の品格も味に反映されている。これが要人たちの大切なテーブルを彩るのは当然と言っても過言ではないだろう。 アキコのワインは飲む人を確実に幸せにする。彼女はフィガロワインクラブの読者に、こんな言葉を寄せてくれた。 「ワインが1本あるだけで、人は幸せになります。グラスを傾けながら、互いの幸福な未来について話せたら、とても素敵ですね」 |
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