As the world celebrates progress and leadership on International Women’s Day, the election of Elunda Basson as Sauvignon Blanc South Africa’s new chairperson marks a significant moment for the organisation and the country’s most widely enjoyed cultivar. Basson, an acclaimed winemaker with a track record of excellence, takes over the reigns from RJ Botha as Sauvignon Blanc SA continues to elevate South African Sauvignon Blanc on the global stage.

As cellar master at Steenberg Vineyards since 2019, Basson has been instrumental in reinforcing Constantia’s reputation for top-tier Sauvignon Blanc. A renowned Cap Classique specialist and vice-chairperson of the Cap Classique Producers Association, she has previously worked at industry leaders such as Nederburg, Pongrácz, and J.C. Le Roux. Her accolades for sparkling and still wines include the 2018 Veritas Vertex Award for Pongrácz Blanc de Blancs, a Top 10 placement at Effervescent du Monde, and the World’s Best Shiraz trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

Basson notes her transition to Steenberg as a pivotal moment. “Moving from primarily sparkling wines to mastering Sauvignon Blanc was an exciting challenge. Steenberg’s terroir – proximity to the ocean, the South-easterly wind, and decomposed granite soils – lends itself to exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, and the results speak for themselves in your glass.” In 2021 and 2023, Steenberg’s Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc was among the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 winners.

Since joining the Sauvignon Blanc SA committee in 2023, Basson has been an advocate for industry collaboration. “Be the change you want to see in the world. Young winemakers need to see us leading by example. We are a diverse committee of very passionate Sauvignon Blanc winemakers and contributing knowledge and experience is a privilege.”

Looking ahead, Basson is eager to drive innovation. “Our strength lies in the diverse regional expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. We need to highlight this diversity and educate consumers on the premium quality credentials of South African Sauvignon Blanc. The global wine stage is recognising the exceptional quality of our cultivar as some of the most iconic wines coming out of South Africa and we must capitalise on that momentum.”

“On behalf of Sauvignon Blanc SA, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to RJ Botha for his outstanding vision and leadership during his tenure as chairperson. His guidance has been instrumental in the association’s success, driving it to new heights and setting a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire. We are grateful that he will remain part of the committee.”

Looking back and moving forward

Outgoing chairperson RJ Botha (2018–2025), cellar master of Kleine Zalze, reflects on his tenure, saying, “Sauvignon Blanc has become a brand in its own right. Our producers make some of the best wines in the world, and we’ve undertaken major projects to promote this. From rebranding the association from the Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group (SBIG) to Sauvignon Blanc SA in 2019 to hosting the international Sauvignon Selection by CMB competition in South Africa in 2023, we’ve solidified our international presence. We are well-positioned to take Sauvignon Blanc SA to new heights under Elunda’s leadership.”

Vice-chairperson Thys Louw of Diemersdal Wines shares this optimism: “South African Sauvignon Blanc is experiencing the most exciting era in the cultivar’s history. Cape Sauvignon Blanc is not only the country’s most commercially successful wine in both local and international markets but is also celebrated for its diversity of flavour profiles, styles, and distinctly South African character. This success is driven by the wineland’s multi-dimensional terroir, as well as the passion and vision of our winemakers in their pursuit of excellence. As the industry’s representative body, Sauvignon Blanc SA plays a pivotal role in this journey, and under Elunda’s leadership, I believe we will further cement our reputation on the world stage.”

Sauvignon Blanc SA: Women at the forefront of wine leadership

As Sauvignon Blanc SA enters a new era, women continue to play a pivotal role in shaping its evolution. Basson says: “In an industry where few women serve on cultivar committees – let alone as chairperson – it is inspiring to recognise Erika Obermeyer’s pioneering leadership as chairperson (2012–2013) during the formative years of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, alongside her fellow committee members. Established in 2003, the Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group (SBIG) operated on an ad hoc basis for a decade before officially transitioning into an association at a members’ meeting in December 2013.”

Basson acknowledges the strides women have made in the wine industry: “Women in wine are proving they have what it takes to be phenomenal winemakers and industry leaders. We need to believe in our worth and support each other. A strong network of women and mentorship from industry veterans will continue to drive this progress.”

Oenologist Dr. Carien Coetzee, who has been a key technical advisor on the committee since 2016, will assume the role of convenor of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition in 2025. She succeeds Dr. Winnie Bowman, who has served in this capacity since 2019.

“My role bridges academic research and practical industry application, helping winegrowers and winemakers stay informed of the latest developments,” says Coetzee. “Our technical blogs have made complex research more accessible, equipping industry professionals with valuable insights.

Coetzee emphasises the growing influence of women in the industry: “Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry presents unique opportunities for growth, resilience, and leadership. More leadership roles are opening up, and strong mentorship networks – both female and male – are enabling women to excel. As women continue to break barriers and inspire change, their contributions are shaping the wine world in meaningful and impactful ways.”

For more information about Sauvignon Blanc SA, visit https://sauvignonblanc.com/, e-mail [email protected] or call 082 808 1114.