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.”
|
Wines & Vines
Freeman donates redwood forest
Ken and Akiko Freeman, owner of Freeman Vineyard and Winery, Sebastopol, donated 22 acres of old growth and second growth forests in Occidental to the Bodega Land trust. Nearby, it will plant about 11 acres in its new Freeman Ranch vineyard to five clones of Pinot Noir and a small amount of Chardonnay. The property is located approximately 1,200 feet, with steep slopes, Goldridge soil and a south-eastern exposure. |
|
Wine Enthusiast
Wine for Vegetarian
Wine recommendation: Earthy mushrooms and garlic are a natural match for Pinot Noir; try 2006 Freeman "Akiko's Cuvee" Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma coast, which has many layer of flavor that will complement the tart. |
|
Pinot File
95 Points - Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Keefer Ranch Vineyard 2006
MAKE ROOM IN THE CELLAR! |
|
Pinot File
95 Points - Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Akiko's Cuvee 2006
MAKE ROOM IN THE CELLAR! |
|
Pinot File
92 Points - Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006
SMART BUY! |
|
|
|
|
