Freestone Winery Hosts First Annual Fall Release Festival

By Stephen Pavy, Director of Hospitality

The relaxed atmosphere of western Sonoma County was very much in evidence on October 10th when 230 Freestone Private Collection club members enjoyed perfect fall weather and an afternoon of music, artisanal foods and the newly-released 2007 vintage Freestone wines.

Members from the Bay Area and as far south as San Jose made the drive to bask in the autumn sunshine and visit with Freestone locals as well as winery staff and an assortment of friendly canines.

Macy Blackman, a western Sonoma County resident, provided the keyboard and vocals for the afternoon. Macy specializes in New Orleans-style R&B and has worked with Dr. John, The Drifters, The Coasters, Patti Smith and Keith Richards among others, as well as his own Rockin’ Rebels. His local wisdom is “If this band doesn’t make you move your feet, it’s amazing that you got here at all.” And believe me, Macy got people moving and tapping their feet. Next year, we’ll probably need a dance floor!

In the midst of picking grapes, Winemaker Theresa Heredia made a brief appearance to give visitors an update on the harvest. Bill and Andrea Phelps, Damian Parker, Director of Winemaking and other Freestone Vineyards staff were in attendance, as well as Brad Schneider, Manager of the Freestone Vineyards Guest Center, Duane Harris, Director of Customer Service and Patty, Neta, Corban and Val from Customer Service. Stephen Pavy, Jan Vierra and Nicole Boutilier were also there to lend logistical support and make sure everything ran smoothly.

The success of this year’s event all but assures that the Fall Release Festival will become an annual affair. For more information on how to join the Freestone Private Collection wine club go to http://www.freestonevineyards.com/wineclub/.