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.”
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar PDF:92 pts for Akiko's Cuvee and Keefer Ranch |
Vinography: a wine blog
The Best Pinot Noir in California?: Tasting Pinot Days 2009
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The Somm Journal
92 Points - Chardonnay Russian River Valley Ryo-fu 2006
May 2009
Ripe, intense, rich and layered, offering tiers of vibrant honeydew melon, green apple and pear, with spice and light toasty oak lingering in the background. Drink now through 2012.—J.L. |
The Somm Journal
92 Points - Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006
April 2009
The most complex and complete of the 2006 Freemans, this is fragrant, with wilted rose petal, blackberry and wild berry and hints of loamy earth. Both supple and firm on the finish. Drink now through 2014.—J.L. |
WICN.ORG
The Public Eye: Ken Freeman - Freeman Vineyard & Winery
April 2009
Freeman Vineyard & Winery is the fruition of a 20-year dream shared by Ken and Akiko Freeman to craft elegant cool climate California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a sophisticated, Burgundian style. |