Three California wines, including a Pinot Noir from Freeman Wines in Sebastopol, will be served at the United States Embassy in Tokyo next week during President Donald Trump’s three-day visit to Japan. The dinner, hosted by newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is set to take place on Oct. 28.

Wines poured at the dinner will include the 2022 Freeman Akiko's Cuvée Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast, along with the 2021 Schramsberg North Coast Blanc de Noirs and 2023 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass and his team helped choose the wines through an extensive tasting of leading California selections.

“We are honored to have Freeman wines represent the United States at this important event,” said winery co-founder Ken Freeman. “To have our wines served alongside such California wine icons is a special treat.”

Winemaker and winery co-founder Akiko Freeman is a native of Japan, with roots in the country dating back 23 generations. In 2024, she became the first woman to receive the prestigious Green and White Award for agricultural excellence from the Japanese government.

Freeman wines have long served as a bridge between the U.S. and Japan. President Barack Obama served them at the state dinner for Prime Minster Shinzo Abe in 2015, and in 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Athony Blinken selected three Freeman wines for the State Department lunch for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The wines have also graced tables at the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. and at the Japanese consulates in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In his book “Wine and the White House,” author Frederick J. Ryan Jr. notes that President George H.W. Bush Sr. inspired the “America-only” wine policy for White House dinners that remains in place today. When hosting leaders from other wine-producing countries, the White House seeks out top-tier wines that share a connection to both countries.

In this in-depth article, Senior Editor Tim Hearden highlights how Freeman Vineyard & Winery is embracing organic farming and sustainable practices to navigate shifting wine industry dynamics. Ken and Akiko Freeman share how their recent 100% organic certification formalizes more than 15 years of organic farming, reflecting their deep commitment to environmental stewardship and positioning the winery to connect with a new generation of conscious wine consumers in a changing market.

Freeman Vineyard & Winery is honored to be featured in Haute Living San Francisco’s article, “The Lodge at Bodega Bay: Sonoma’s Coastal Retreat.” The story spotlights the best of Sonoma’s coastal and wine country experiences, highlighting Freeman as a woman-owned estate in the cool, fog-laced hills of Sebastopol. Founded by Akiko and Ken Freeman, our small-lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay continue to represent the elegance and balance of the region—crafted with care, and served in some of the world’s most memorable settings.

Western Farm Press highlights Freeman Vineyard & Winery’s recent certification through California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). For founders Ken and Akiko Freeman, the transition to 100% organic farming was a natural next step after more than 15 years of sustainable vineyard practices. With both the Gloria and Yu-Ki vineyards now certified—and the newly planted Ko-fu Vineyard underway—Freeman is nearing its goal of producing 95% estate-grown, organically farmed Pinot Noir. The certification reflects the winery’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, community support, and regenerative viticulture.

Ken Freeman joins hosts Michael Horn and Nicole Nielsen on What’s Cookin’ on Wine to discuss Freeman Vineyard & Winery’s latest harvest, organic certification, and ongoing sustainability efforts in Sonoma’s cool-climate vineyards.</>