Akiko Freeman, winemaker and co-founder of Freeman Winery in Sebastopol, will receive the Game Changer Award from the Asia Society of Northern California on April 23 in San Francisco.

The Asia Society is a nonprofit that promotes collaboration between the U.S. and Asia in business, arts, culture, education and policy. The Game Changer Award honors those who have shown strong leadership in these fields and inspired others.

Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Freeman founded Freeman Vineyard and Winery with her husband, Ken, in 2001. She became the first woman to receive the Green-White Achievement Award for agricultural excellence from the Agricultural Society of Japan.

Freeman’s wines were served at a White House dinner in 2015 when President Barack Obama hosted then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. They were also featured at a 2024 luncheon hosted by former Vice President Kamala Harris for then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Other 2026 Game Changer Award recipients include Emmy and Golden Globe-winning producer Janet Yang and Arthur Sze, the 25th Poet Laureate of the United States.

The Garagiste Festival returns, highlighting small-batch wineries

Now in its eighth year, the Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure returns Saturday, May 2, when more than 30 small-production wine brands will pour their wines from 1-5 p.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall.

Founded in Paso Robles in 2011, with Sonoma County events since 2018, the festival invites winemakers producing 1,500 cases or less annually to share their wines at this one-day event. The Northern Exposure edition will feature wines from Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties, as well as the Sierra Foothills.

New participants this year include Glenn and Laurie Proctor’s Puccioni Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, Crosby Roamann in Napa Valley and Chaney Family Winery in Somerset.

Tickets: VIP Rare & Reserve tickets ($105.99) offer early access at 1 p.m. Grand Tasting tickets ($83.94) allow entry from 2-5 p.m. Designated driver tickets are $11.49. All tickets include complimentary cheese, charcuterie, vendor samples and a souvenir wine glass.

For tickets and more information, visit garagistefestival.com.

Choose your own adventure at Passport to Dry Creek Valley

The 35th annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley returns April 24-26 for three days of wine tasting, food experiences and live music.

Presented by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, the weekend highlights the unique appellation in the northwest corner of Sonoma County, where Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and other varieties thrive. This year, the event will be more inclusive of non-drinkers by offering several nonalcoholic options.

The weekend begins Friday with a Twilight Welcome Party at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg. Guests can sample wines from over 20 wineries during a walk-around tasting, with live fire cuisine by chef Kevin O’Connor from Hulu’s “Chefs vs. Wild” series.

On Saturday and Sunday, more than 25 wineries across the region will offer unique wine tasting experiences, food and entertainment.

Passport holders receive a wristband and a map and then choose their own adventure.

Passport prices range from $57.95 for non-drinkers to $202.85. For tickets and a complete event schedule, visit drycreekvalley.org/dcv-passport.

Can’t attend the event? Check out “Twice as Nice,” a new two-for-one wine tasting promotion at participating Dry Creek Valley wineries through June 1. Mention “twice as nice” when making a reservation.

Wineries to visit include Breathless Wines, Smith-Story Wines, Raymond Burr Vineyards, Martorana Family Winery, Dutcher Crossing, Dot Wines, 32 Winds/Mascarin, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Papapietro Perry Winery, CAST, Kokomo Wines, Dry Creek Vineyard (April 6-24 only), Portalupi Wines, Pedroncelli Winery, Terra Amata Vineyards, West Wines, Hawley Winery and Saini Vineyards.