The mission of Sonoma Sister Cities Association is to cultivate successful relationships and interpersonal understanding among the youth, adults and businesses of Sonoma Valley through adult and student programs. It has been declared a World Heritage site, and its vineyards date to at least the 12th century. In 1703, King Louis XIV of France received some of this fragrant and delicious wine, namin
g it: "Vinum Regum, Rex Vinorum." (The wine of kings, the king of wines.) This has been the motto of Tokaj wine ever since. There are many similarities between Sonoma and Tokaj, including the existence of volcanic and clay soil, and a genial climate. It is also a major tourism area, as is Sonoma, and with many Hungarians living in Sonoma and the Bay Area, as well as California, it is only fitting and just that these two wine industry towns be joined in friendship and Citizen Diplomacy. MISSION STATEMENT
Recognizing the historical, viticultural ties between Sonoma and Tokaj dating back to the mid 19th century when Agoston Haraszthy settled in Sonoma and became the Father of California Viticulture, the mission of the Sonoma-Tokaj Sister City Committee is to create bonds for both Hungarian and American economic and cultural exchanges to benefit both cities. The goal of the Committee is to promote mutual respect and understanding between Tokaj and Sonoma through access to wine culture, education, business, trade and partnership building.
