Wine Producer in Sonoma Coast: Delicacy from Freeman Vineyard & Winery
In the heart of West Sonoma Coast, a family-owned estate named Freeman is making waves in the world of winemaking. At its helm is Akiko Freeman, a winemaker born in Tokyo, who brings a unique blend of Japanese precision and California passion to her craft[1][2].
Freeman Winery, established in 2001, focuses on producing elegant wines that prioritise grace and sophistication over ripeness[3]. Akiko's approach to winemaking reflects this philosophy, emphasising heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the land[4]. This artisanal approach is evident in the Freeman wines, which are celebrated for their refined quality.
The Freeman team is not just a single individual, however. Eiji Daniel Akaboshi, an associate winemaker with deep family roots in the Sonoma region, supports Akiko[3]. Eiji is a Brazilian-born winemaker, being an ancestor of one of the region's founding winemakers, Kanaye Nagasawa[1]. Together, they form an all-Japanese winemaking team at Freeman.
The Freeman Pinot Noirs are produced from two estate sites: Gloria Estate Vineyard and Yu-Ki Vineyard. The Gloria Estate Vineyard, where the Freeman family home and winery are located, is planted with six different clones of Pinot Noir[5]. These include Swan, Pommard, 115, and two blocks of Calera clone Pinot Noir. The vineyard was previously an apple orchard and required rebuilding of soil health before planting could commence[6].
Yu-Ki Vineyard, on the other hand, was a one-time sheep farm[7]. To help break up compact soil layers without damaging soil structure, the Freemans initially planted daikon radishes[8]. Both vineyards are in the process of gaining organic certification, reflecting the Freemans' commitment to sustainable practices.
In the winery, Akiko uses a small percentage of whole cluster (5-8%) and a maximum of 30% new oak in her winemaking[9]. The winery also uses older barrels, often with minimal intervention winemaking, to highlight the vineyard site and purity of fruit.
Freeman Winery initially leaned into a more refined style, contrasting the opulent and oaky trends in California in the early 2000s[3]. The winery also markets its wines to fine dining establishments, helping chefs and sommeliers see the similarities between their cool Sonoma Coast wines and those of Burgundy[10]. This strategy has been successful, with Freeman wines now enjoyed in some of the finest restaurants around the world.
The Freeman Winery's dedication to unique, immersive wine experiences is also evident in their intimate tastings, often conducted in caves[1]. This commitment to tradition and quality, combined with a focus on sustainability and a deep connection to the land, makes Freeman Winery a standout in the world of winemaking.
References:
- Freeman Winery & Vineyards
- Akiko Freeman
- Eiji Daniel Akaboshi
- Wine Enthusiast
- Freeman Winery & Vineyards
- Sonoma County Winegrowers
- Freeman Winery & Vineyards
- Freeman Winery & Vineyards
- Freeman Winery & Vineyards
- Wine Business
The exclusive wines produced by Freeman Winery, not only showcase a refined quality but also echo the winery's dedication to a unique lifestyle that harmoniously blends heritage and sustainable practices, similar to a carefully crafted home-and-garden setting. Spending time in their intimate tastings, frequent visitors may find themselves savoring not only delectable food-and-drink offerings but also the ambiance of exclusive California passion and Japanese precision.
