PRESS RELEASE
January 30, 2026
Contact:
Sylvia Toth
Co-Chair Sonoma-Tokaj Sister City Committee
(707) 938-0224
sonomatokajsistercities@gmail.com
Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Committee seeking Sonoma wine intern to work Wine Crush in Tokaj, Hungary in the 2026 Harvest Season
The Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Committee is again offering a unique work, learning and cultural experience this Fall for someone from the Sonoma area working the wine harvest in the famous wine town of Tokaj, Hungary. Sonoma and the world-class wine region of Tokaj have been Sister Cities since 2012, and as part of this cultural exchange, wine interns from Sonoma are sent to work the crush in Tokaj. The Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Committee will provide $2,500 toward airfare or other expenses, and Tokaj-Hétszőlő Winery will provide free room and a choice of free board or equivelant in payment, and a small stipend for leading English speaking tours, should they be requested. Our Sister City members in Tokaj will provide cultural programs during the weekend or non-working hours.
Tokaj-Hétszőlő Wine Estate is the premier winery in world-famous Tokaj; it is situated in the heart of Tokaj-Hegyalja, on the southern slopes of Mount Tokaj. Its vineyards were first planted in 1502. The winning candidate will work at Tokaj-Hétszőlő Vineyards with Gergely Makai, General Manager and Master Winemaker, who speaks English and will provide instruction and share knowledge of local wine making processes.
Requirements
- Must be 21 or older
- Driver’s license with ability to drive a car with manual transmission
- Experience working the crush at least once is preferred but not required
- Able to handle harvest, cellar duties and other assignments
- Flexible, enthusiastic and mature individual with strong work ethic
- Submit a resume and a cover letter explaining why he/she is applying for the internship
Intern Responsibilities
- Airfare or other expenses beyond the $2,500.
- Be willing to learn some basic Hungarian
- Share their experience in a classroom situation and/or with the STSCC.
- May be asked to attend Sister City fundraisers or functions and promote the Program
Since our Internship Program began five interns have worked the crush in Tokaj. Each intern from Sonoma has reported extraordinary experiences and felt that it created a life-long attachment to this beautiful and fascinating wine culture and people. It truly is a life changing experience.
For more information contact Sylvia Toth at 707 938-0224 or sonomatokajsistercities@gmail.com
Resume with cover letter is due no later than: Friday, March 27, 2026
Please submit via e-mail to sonomatokajsistercities@gmail.com
Sonoma Sister Cities Association (SSCA), is a registered nonprofit organization in the City of Sonoma. For more information on the Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Committee please go to www.sscasonoma.org.
