Which of the following are Napa’s sister cities? A. Casablanca Valley, Chile; B. Iwanuma, Japan; C. Launceston, Tasmania, Australia; or D. Montalcino, Italy. The correct answer is all of the above. Montalcino, the medieval hilltop town in Tuscany famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine, became Napa’s newest sister city in June 2021. This sister city association seems perfect given Napa’s reputation for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world and Brunello di Montalcino’s lofty global status.

Still, the question often posed is, “What does 'sister city' mean?” According to Sister Cities International’s website, “A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement to become sister cities.”