The story of South Africa’s most popular white wine cultivar has been brought together in a single publication, The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, which was launched at CapeWine in Cape Town on Thursday 11 September.
The a 248-page book offers the most complete overview of the cultivar to date, tracing its journey from the first plantings at Groot Constantia in the late 1880s and the release of the first commercial Sauvignon Blanc in 1977, through to the global acclaim it enjoys today.
It highlights the history, regions and terroir that give the cultivar its distinctive voice, as well as the people who have shaped it over decades. Some 60 producers are profiled, alongside pioneers such as Danie de Wet, Niel Ellis, Charles Hopkins, Bartho Eksteen and Thys Louw.
LEGACY CAPTURED
Elunda Basson, chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA, says there has long been a need to record the remarkable rise of the cultivar, as its identity continues to evolve. “We wanted to preserve the history as a legacy for the next generation – and as a guide to the future,” she said.
“Sauvignon Blanc produces site-specific wines that reflect both regional character and winemaking intent, with a stylistic range from bright and zesty to layered and age-worthy. This book is an invitation to look beyond assumptions and explore the cultivar in all its diversity.”
Other chapters focus on the role of research, the producer body Sauvignon Blanc SA, and the impact of competitions such as the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.
The international achievements of South African producers are also highlighted, including hosting the Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in 2023 – the first time the world’s largest Sauvignon Blanc competition was held in the southern hemisphere and outside Europe.
COLLABORATION IS KEY
A further highlight is the launch of South Africa’s first Sauvignon Blanc aroma wheel, developed by researchers at Stellenbosch University’s South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) and Sauvignon Blanc SA, in collaboration with South Africa Wine and local and international experts. Freely available at www.sauvignonblanc.com, this practical tool helps winemakers, marketers, educators and wine lovers to better understand the stylistic diversity of the cultivar.
Basson emphasised that collaboration is central to the cultivar’s success: “Together we can elevate Sauvignon Blanc on the world stage, and contribute to the sustainability of our industry and the prosperity of our communities. We are grateful to our Top 10 title partner FNB, our platinum partner EVER, and all our industry partners – without their support, this book would not have been possible.”
With 1 500 copies already in print by the award-winning Tip Africa Publishing, The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc is destined for tasting rooms, cellars and bookshelves worldwide. It stands as both a celebration of the cultivar and a marketing tool and ambassador for South African wine.
The book is available at R495 per copy (plus courier fees) and can be ordered from Eunice Joubert via email on info@sauvignonblanc.com.
- For more information, visit www.sauvignonblanc.com.
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