Born from a genuine interest and fascination with quality wine, Freeman Vineyard & Winery has served wine lovers and local communities throughout Sonoma County for years. The Freeman’s donate 5% of their wine club to mostly local charities. In 2019, the winery began its partnership with the Green Music Center, supporting a wide range of artists performing at the venue. This 2024-2025 season, Freeman Vineyard and Winery graciously gave in support of bringing Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, and Jason Moran to our stages!

About Freeman Vineyard and Winery 
The year was 1985 when Ken and Akiko Freeman first crossed paths at a keg party in the suburbs of New York, their shared passion for Burgundian-style wines sparked the beginning of their journey to Freeman Vineyard and Winery. With a firm belief that Russian River and West Sonoma Coast is a perfect spot for producing wine with just as much complexity as Burgundy, the couple has developed three vineyards; Gloria, (named at after the hurricane which brought them together) Yu-ki and the newly planted Ko-fu Vineyard.  These forty acres of organically farmed vines enable Freeman to be 95% Estate grown for their 6,000 cases of yearly production.

Since officially opening in 2001, Akiko has used her refined palate as a winemaker to produce cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Akiko’s journey into winemaking began well before the establishment of Freeman Winery, though. A native of Tokyo, Akiko found her passion for wine through her grandfather, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Later, with her master’s degree in Italian Renaissance art history from Stanford, Akiko explored the world’s greatest winemaking regions throughout the mid-1990s. Having returned to California in 1997, Akiko and Ken worked together to realize their shared dream of establishing a small, family-run winery. Akiko immersed herself in winemaking, even apprenticing for eight years to renowned winemaker Ed Kurtzman. Today, Akiko Freeman is the driving force behind every bottle at Freeman Vineyard and Winery.

As Freeman’s proprietor, Ken manages the winery’s estate vineyards, upkeeps the business’s portfolio with partners, and even works alongside Akiko in the cellar. Together the duo continues their story of being one of the great pioneers of their craft. Sixty-five percent of their wines are sold directly to consumers and their wines are served at the leading restaurants and clubs around the world.

Corporate contributions are critical to the Green Music Center and their support brings incredible performers from all over the world to Sonoma County. We are thankful to our corporate partners for their deep commitment to fostering thriving communities through the arts and education, and for supporting the ways we enrich the quality of life for everyone in our region.

For more information on partnerships and support, contact Jana Ponce at jana.ponce@sonoma.edu or (707) 664-3530.