March 27, 2025 – Invited guests, partners, Asia Society Northern California Board and Advisory Council Members gathered eleven miles away from the Pacific Ocean near Sebastopol, California at Freeman Vineyard & Winery for a Groundbreaker Exclusive Tour. Owned since 2002 by husband-and-wife Ken and Akiko Freeman, the Freemans didn’t begin their careers in winemaking but fell in love with wine so much so that opening their own vineyard seemed like the next logical step. After looking around and finding a small rundown barn, they turned this property into the winery of their dreams. While enjoying a splash of Riesling in their wine cave, Ken and Akiko shared their story as they poured glasses of wine, including two different Chardonnays and their signature Pinot Noir. They also showed off their wine production tanks, where Akiko macerated grapes by hand. Our group eventually hiked up their hillside property to their home where they hosted our group to a personalized Japanese lunch from Chef Sagi. Sipping on Rosé while enjoying each other’s company and meeting new friends made for a memorable afternoon. To find out how you can take part in a special invite-only event such as this, consider joining our community by becoming a Groundbreaker or Innovator Member, where you can be invited to exclusive VIP dinners and events, such as the Groundbreaker Exclusive Tour of Freeman Vineyard & Winery.