A similar sensibility supported the decision to choose a successor.

Akiko's father, a wine lover, expected her to become a drinking buddy in the future, and she received a "special education" from a young age, including being forced to smell wine. Her grandmother was also an expert in the art of incense, and she learned how to distinguish subtle aromas. Akaboshi, on the other hand, says, "From a young age, my greatest joy was experiencing the world through my taste and smell."

About 10 years before joining Freeman, Akaboshi attended a gathering of Japanese wine professionals held at the winery, where he tried Akiko's wine for the first time. He recalls his impression: "It was so delicious, I remember getting goosebumps." It would later become clear that those "goosebumps" were more than just amazement.

Freeman's flagship wine, "Akiko's Cuvée," is created each year by Akiko and several others tasting many wines made from grapes from different vineyards and plots, narrowing it down to around 10 different blends and blending them together. At this point, everyone tries their own blends, and the blend ratio of the one they all agree is adopted. Until 2022, Akiko's blends had beaten out the others every year and been used in the final product.

"However, in 2023, for the first time, a recipe other than mine was the best," says Akiko. What's more, she even mistakenly thought Akaboshi's blend was her own, demonstrating just how similar their sensibilities were. This experience helped drive Akiko's decision to choose her successor.

"I simply want good things to be preserved for the future. Rather than adding new value, I intend to hone the good things we have now." Akaboshi, who has been entrusted with Freeman's future, is unassuming.

Will the Japanese aesthetic of "Koufu" (light wind) blow through?

Freeman currently provides 70% of its grapes from its two owned vineyards, "Gloria" and "Yuki." With the recent harvest from a newly acquired vineyard, the proportion of grapes sourced from its own vineyards will increase to 95%, allowing for a clearer character and direction. Akiko revealed that this third vineyard will likely be named "Koufu."

Freeman has a product called "Koufu Riesling," made with grapes sourced from outside, and Ken seems to be particularly fond of the word "Koufu." "Koufu" refers to the wind that blows across the shining vegetation after rain. This word evokes the Japanese aesthetic and is also relevant to the flavor of Freeman's wines.

Ep 49: Getting Lucky in the Wine Business with Ken and Akiko Freeman

In Episode 49 of the Small Fortune podcast, Ken and Akiko Freeman sit down with host Carol Collison to share the story behind Freeman Vineyard & Winery—how a dream, a rundown winery, and a lot of determination led to a thriving family business in the Russian River Valley.

The conversation covers everything from Akiko’s unexpected path to becoming winemaker, to Ken’s early vision and their slow, steady growth strategy. They also talk about building their direct-to-consumer success through wine dinners and club events, their strong connection to Japan, and the honor of Akiko receiving the Green and White Medal for Agricultural Excellence—the first woman outside of Japan to do so.

It’s a thoughtful look at the realities of growing a winery as a couple, the importance of staying true to your style, and how to thrive in a competitive wine landscape.

In this in-depth Bloomberg Pursuits article, wine writer Elin McCoy explores how Japanese and Japanese American winemakers are bringing a distinctive sensibility to the world of Pinot Noir. Akiko Freeman, co-founder and winemaker at Freeman Winery, is featured prominently among this emerging group. McCoy describes how Akiko’s early exposure to kodo—the traditional Japanese art of appreciating incense—influences her emphasis on aroma, nuance, and subtlety in winemaking.

The article also introduces readers to Akiko’s associate winemaker, Eiji Akaboshi, whose Japanese heritage and family history tie directly to California’s early wine history. Together, they craft elegant wines that reflect both place and philosophy. McCoy singles out the 2021 Yu-Ki Estate Pinot Noir as a prime example, noting its bright fruit character and layers of mushroom, earth, and savory depth—qualities that make it Akiko’s favorite pairing with Japanese cuisine.

We are thrilled to announce that Freeman Winery’s Yu-Ki Estate Pinot Noir 2021 has been selected for the prestigious World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2025. This recognition highlights our commitment to crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines that showcase the unique character of the West Sonoma Coast.

The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection is an exclusive list curated by top sommeliers from around the globe, celebrating wines that exemplify excellence in craftsmanship, balance, and expression of place. We are honored that our Yu-Ki Estate Pinot Noir 2021 has earned a place among this elite group.

Perched at 1,200 feet above sea level, the Yu-Ki Estate Vineyard benefits from cool Pacific breezes, diverse volcanic soils, and sustainable farming practices, producing a Pinot Noir that is vibrant, complex, and deeply expressive. The 2021 vintage delivers layers of ripe red berries, forest floor, and elegant minerality, making it a standout selection for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Read more about this prestigious recognition and discover why the Yu-Ki Estate Pinot Noir 2021 continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

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.