Get to know Akiko Freeman and her wines

Meet the long-haul winemaker with (almost) zero carbon footprint. Everyone loves filling out surveys, right? So here is the first in a series of meet the winemaker Friday tastings where you get intimate with our producers in the privacy of your own office and then pop down to taste their wines. We'll fill you in on the technical details when you come and taste. First up is good sport Akiko Freeman. We've stocked their wines since the 2006 vintage and see them getting better and better. /CW

If you could make wine anywhere, where would it be?
Russian River & Sonoma Coast for sure. The terroir is superb and we get to grow excellent grapes year in and year out...

What pest causes you most trouble in the vineyard?
Gophers who like to eat our vines, and deer that like our grapes.

What impact have wine critics had on you (if any)?
We produce wines in a style that we enjoy drinking, and do not care what critics have to say - unless we get great scores.. Just kidding, we have received strong support from leading wine critics who enjoy the elegance and balance of our wines.

What is the best thing about wines made in your country? And the worst?
In the past too much oak and alcohol, the best is that this trend is really changing.

What causes you most sleepless nights?
Lack of rain in the off season, and rain during the harvest.

If you weren't a winemaker, what would you like to have been?
I have a master in Italian art history and would have been an art historian.

Outside wine, what is your passion?
Reading, cooking and traveling.

Favourite wine/vintage from your winery?
Our first, 2002 was special. I also liked the 06's and the 13's which are now in barrel is going to be a special vintage.

Signature dish?
Liberty Duck, grown by our friend and neighbour in Sonoma with our Pinot Noir.

Favourite restaurant locally? Worldwide?
We were able to dine at El Bulli which was special, but we really like Kondo in Tokyo and K & L Bistro near us in Sebastopol.

What was the best advice you ever received?
Follow your passion & marrying my husband Ken.

To place an order, email us, call 020 7638 5998, or come to the shop