Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Committee sends Sonoma Wine Intern to work crush in Tokaj
As part of its on-going wine intern programs between Sonoma and Tokaj, Hungary, the Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Committee sent Sonoma wine intern Kathryn Aronsohn to work the crush at Tokaj Hétszölö Vineyards in Tokaj for three months during the Fall of 2016. Kathryn is a Sonoma County resident deeply interested in all facets of the wine industry. She has worked previous harvests in New Zealand and Sonoma, and possesses a Level Three Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Tokaj Hétszölö Vineyards is a world-class winery situated in the heart of Tokaj-Hegyalja on the southern slope of Mount Tokaj, and has long been the crown jewel of Hungary. The estate was founded in 1502 as a selection of the 7 finest parcels in the region; the vineyards were classified as premier cru in 1772. Tokaj Hétszölö was the estate of the Hapsburg Empire, and in 2009, Tokaj Hétszölö was purchased by Michel Reybier, the owner of Château d’Estournel—-who has returned Tokaj Hétszölö to its celebrated 500 year historical glory. Through organic farming and traditional vinification, the wines of Tokay Hétszölö are a benchmark for Hungarian wines.
Kathryn Arohnson in Budapest with Mate Kerekes, Hungarian intern to Buena Vista winery in Sonoma 
2016 Sonoma wine intern Kathryn Arohnson
2016 Sonoma wine intern Kathryn Arohnson
“We were excited and pleased to send a Sonoman to Hungary for the 2016 Crush” says Joan Toth, Co-Chair of the Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Commmittee. “Wine intern exchanges between Sonoma and Tokaj are one of our core goals, and we are grateful to the Tokaj-Sonoma Association for creating this opportunity for our winning candidate.” Kathryn will be meeting the Tokaj intern, Mate Kerekes, who worked at Buena Vista Winery in 2013, and is helping Kathryn tour Budapest.
