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29 Aug

Posted at 21:32h in News
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FREEMAN Vineyards sustainable viticulture program is largely supported by a flock of keen weed eaters, over 1000 head of easy-care self-shedding sheep that graze freely across the 200-hectare Hilltops NSW vineyard for much of the year. Their vineyard pick includes vine suckers, dangling vine canes and leaves and selected weeds. Only as the annual harvest approaches and the grapes ripen with sugary appeal are they moved to adjacent pasture. Observation over many seasons suggests the flock’s vinous preference is merlot. One fact for your next wine trivia night!

Our 10-year sustainable viti-management program recently featured in the NSW DPIRD Grapevine Management Guide 2025-26. And it’s hoped that our amalgamated learning inspires other vignerons to consider the benefits of an ovine vineyard crew.

Read more here…FREEMAN Sustainable Viticulture first published by NSW DPIRD and reprinted here with acknowledgement.

07 Jul

Posted at 09:38h in News
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The Real Review has just published its 2025 selection ofTOP VALUE AUSTRALIAN WINES (categorised by RRP $25 and under). And standing tall in the busy Rosé category (62 wines) is the extra special value and moreish pink drink – FREEMAN Rondo Rosé 2024 voted Australia’s No 1 Top Value Rosé. A pink feather in the cool Hilltops region cap!  The announcement doesn’t coincide with balmy summer days but rosé can be enjoyed year-round and this one made from 100% Rondinella grapes is a terrific match with prawn risotto or linguine, sushi or even oysters. A rosé by a name to remember… (Sorry Shakespeare.)
Check out FREEMAN Rondo Rosé 2024 in the REAL REVIEW 2025 TOP VALUE VIDEO!
PS FREEMAN Shiraz 2023 and FREEMAN Tempranillo 2022 also ranked places in the TOP VALUE 2025 list.

05 May

Posted at 02:18h in Events, News
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Join us Friday 3oth May for FREEMAN @ Hazel’s Meet the Winemaker series – a relaxed evening of delicious food, great company, and exceptional wines.

Enjoy a 4-course dinner paired with 9 wines introduced by Brian Freeman, a winemaker passionate about Italian-inspired varietal wines.

MENU

Hot off the kitchen bench…
FREEMAN Prosecco…then…
* Kingfish Crudo – FREEMAN Fiano & Furmint
* Duck breast – FREEMAN Sangio & Nebbiolo
* Braised beef cheek – FREEMAN Corvina Rondinella Trio
* White chocolate dulce de leche – FREEMAN Dolcino

Hazel is showcasing  award-winning FREEMAN selection, including the flagship FREEMAN Secco and new Fiano, several of which are also on pour all May at Hazel.

Location: Hazel, 782 Kingsway, Gymea
Cost: $135 per person
Bookings:

Phone: 0409 658 357

10 Nov

Posted at 07:00h in News
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FREEMAN Secco Rondinella Corvina has won the PROVENANCE Trophy and a Top Gold Medal at the 2024 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. The flagship Secco is a blend of Rondinella and Corvina (50/50) that was inaugurated with the 2002 vintage. Three vintages spanning two decades were entered  in the AAVWS – 2004, 2007, 2017 – and the judges commendation reads:
‘Top wine [Freeman Secco 2004] proved the test of time – an intriguing and robust 20-year-old, that opened up wonderfully in the glass. A wonderful tasting across decades.’
The accolade marks 20 years of Brian Freeman’s passion for savoury Italianate wines and his lateral innovative thinking. For two decades he has been drying parcels of both Rondinella and Corvina grapes in a neighbour’s dehydrator shed. Fresh-pick parcels are added to the partially dried grapes and are co-fermented to craft FREEMAN Secco (meaning dried in Italian) that is typically aged at least four years before release.
Currently available FREEMAN Secco vintages are FREEMAN Secco 2018 and the Cellar Reserve FREEMAN Secco 2007 [Limited]. ????????

30 Aug

Posted at 23:34h in News
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Are you planning a getaway weekend in the country? A wine tour?  A cycling club gathering?

Here’s a suggestion – How about  a weekend in the NSW Hilltops, one of those still undiscovered country escapes where the worst traffic jam is likely to be a mob of sheep and memorable moments are breathtaking views of golden canola fields or a stunning red wine!

Check out some of the region’s attractions and restful stylish accommodation in this recent Canberra Weekly story – then be sure to make a FREEMAN wine tasting appointment at our rustic Cellar Door.

T: 0417 733715

E: sales@freemanvineyards.com.au

Open (by appointment) 7 Days 10am – 4pm. Seated tasting of current releases with the winemaker Brian Freeman. Complimentary charcuterie & cheese platters.

Click here and Discover the secret Hilltops region!

06 Mar

Posted at 23:07h in News
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The global go-to wine mag Decanter has just published a feature on the NSW Hilltops and Orange regions by their Aussie contributor Huon Hooke. Good to see our local heroes getting international exposure!
Huon rated two FREEMAN wines in his 15 ‘Exciting Wines to Try’ – FREEMAN Secco Rondinella Corvina ‘Gentle complexity…intensity and depth’ 92 Points and FREEMAN Fiano ‘An excellent food wine.’ 93 Points
Nice to be out in the world… ????????????

04 Mar

Posted at 03:31h in News
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We have just heard that Freeman Vineyards has been selected as a finalist in the annual Young Gun of Wine 2024 Australian Vineyard of the Year Awards. ???? ????
It’s 25 years since Brian Freeman founded his select site single Altura Vineyard in the NSW Hilltops, based on his assessment of the region’s terrific viticultural potential. Two decades-plus later that foresight is showing results. You know the one about Rome…
The Awards celebrate heritage, sustainability, innovation and wine quality and seek to profile Australia’s top viticulturists and distinguished and mature  single vineyards.
The FREEMAN Altura Vineyard dates back to 1976 and is planted with many unusual varieties – from Rondinella and Corvina, to Furmint and Harslevelu as well as significant Italian origin varieties like Prosecco, Fiano, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
The Vineyard of the Year Awards ceremony will be held in Melbourne in mid-June and you can be sure the FREEMAN team will be flying the flag!
FREEMAN Furmint 2024, Altura Vineyard

06 Jun

Posted at 00:34h in News
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The Real Review has just published its TOP AUSTRALIAN WINERIES 2022 list. FREEMAN Vineyards has again been rated one of the TOP WINERIES based on accumulated reviews over several years. That puts us apparently into the top 18% of the country’s wine producers, along with numerous household wine brands and some amazing smaller wine companies striving and punching high. As we try to do.
In fact, the mighty NSW Hilltops region rated three wine companies in the top tier…

06 Jun

Posted at 00:22h in Events, News
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Gourmet Traveller Wine has recently announced its annual Australian Best Cellar Door Awards.

And we’re chuffed to announce that FREEMAN Vineyards has been chosen STAR CELLAR DOOR and BEST TASTING EXPERIENCE in the Hilltops region. Our Cellar Door tastings are relaxed and personal and hosted in the rustic cellar door. Open fire in winter. Vineyard views. All current releases offered. The bespoke tastings are offered FREE including a complimentary cheese/ charcuterie plate. Only available by prior appointment.

To Book: sales@freemanvineyards.com.au

23 Jan

Posted at 20:34h in News
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Winemaker (and one time wine professor) Brian Freeman talks to compere Jillian Upton of The Wine Show Australia about Italian grape varieties, their attractions and impact in the NSW Hilltops Region…