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.