Commendation Ceremony of 2023 Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards
2023/12/11
On December 7, Consul General Sone hosted a Commendation Ceremony of the Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards for Ms. Akiko Freeman. Details below:
Commendation Ceremony of the Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards
1. Biography and Reasons for Commendation
After studying winemaking under winemaker Ed Kurtzman, Ms. Freeman established Freeman Vineyard & Winery with her husband Ken Freeman in Sonoma County, California in 2001. In 2006, they began producing their own grapes and began growing completely pesticide-free in their vineyards with improved soil suitable for organic farming. As a winemaker at Freeman Estate, Ms. Freeman now oversees every aspect of Freeman’s winemaking program, from the organic farming of the estate vineyards, fermentations, racking, lot evaluations, and blending. She is dedicated to the organic production of deep-flavored wines using Pinot Noir (red) and Chardonnay (white) varieties. Freeman wines are used at the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, contributing to the goodwill between Japan and the U.S.
2. The Agricultural Society of Japan’s Commendation Ceremony
The commendation ceremony for Ms. Freeman was held at the Consul General's Official Residence from 2:00 pm, on December 7, 2023, with her family, friends, and related parties in attendance. Consul General Sone offered congratulations and presented Ms. Freeman with the certificate of commendation and the ribbon of the Green-White Achievement Award. Mr. Shinkichi Koyama, President of the Southern California Chapter of the Agricultural Society of Japan and Mr. Ken Minami, Deputy General Counsel of Delicato Family Wines and friend of Ms. Freeman, gave congratulatory remarks and praised her achievements.
In response, Ms. Freeman thanked everyone involved and reflected on her experience as a woman in wine farming with the support of many people.
After a toast by Mr. Haruo Takehana, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, a reception was held.
Commendation Ceremony of the Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards
1. Biography and Reasons for Commendation
After studying winemaking under winemaker Ed Kurtzman, Ms. Freeman established Freeman Vineyard & Winery with her husband Ken Freeman in Sonoma County, California in 2001. In 2006, they began producing their own grapes and began growing completely pesticide-free in their vineyards with improved soil suitable for organic farming. As a winemaker at Freeman Estate, Ms. Freeman now oversees every aspect of Freeman’s winemaking program, from the organic farming of the estate vineyards, fermentations, racking, lot evaluations, and blending. She is dedicated to the organic production of deep-flavored wines using Pinot Noir (red) and Chardonnay (white) varieties. Freeman wines are used at the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, contributing to the goodwill between Japan and the U.S.
2. The Agricultural Society of Japan’s Commendation Ceremony
The commendation ceremony for Ms. Freeman was held at the Consul General's Official Residence from 2:00 pm, on December 7, 2023, with her family, friends, and related parties in attendance. Consul General Sone offered congratulations and presented Ms. Freeman with the certificate of commendation and the ribbon of the Green-White Achievement Award. Mr. Shinkichi Koyama, President of the Southern California Chapter of the Agricultural Society of Japan and Mr. Ken Minami, Deputy General Counsel of Delicato Family Wines and friend of Ms. Freeman, gave congratulatory remarks and praised her achievements.
In response, Ms. Freeman thanked everyone involved and reflected on her experience as a woman in wine farming with the support of many people.
After a toast by Mr. Haruo Takehana, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, a reception was held.