One cultivar. Eleven producers. A hundred stories—and plenty to taste.
South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc sector will highlight its viticultural diversity and regional character at Die Storie van Sauvignon Blanc, a dedicated industry presentation and guided tasting at the 2026 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees on Thursday, 8 October.
Organised by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa—the producer-driven non-profit cultivar association—in partnership with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the event provides a technical and narrative deep dive into how terroir, microclimates, and winemaking styles shape the cultivar across the Stellenbosch origin.
Benchmarking Stellenbosch Terroir and Cellar Styles
Facilitated by Spier Cellar Master Johan Jordaan, the one-hour session brings together key producer perspectives alongside a structured tasting of benchmark wines from 11 leading Stellenbosch estates: Bertha Wines, Kleine Zalze, Le Grand Domaine, Neethlingshof, Neil Ellis, Spier, Thelema, Vergelegen, Villiera, Visio Vintners, and Zorgvliet.
The tasting panel and accompanying discussions will explore the cultivar’s full expression within the region. Highlights include comparative evaluations between crisp, high-acid, coastal-influenced profiles and structured, barrel-influenced, or extended-contact styles designed for long-term maturation potential.
Documenting the Sector’s Evolution
Central to the seminar is The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, the cultivar association’s definitive historical and technical publication. Published in September 2025 in collaboration with Tip Africa Publishing, the 248-page volume chronicles 100 pivotal milestones, viticultural developments, and key figures across South Africa’s winegrowing regions.
For producers and viticulturists, the book offers a practical scientific resource: an expanded Sauvignon Blanc aroma wheel defining 72 distinct aromatic profiles specific to local growing conditions.
Sip, Stroll, and Storytelling: How Stellenbosch Wine Takes Centre Stage at Woordfees 2026
Session Information and Registration
Attendance costs R550 per delegate, which includes access to the guided masterclass and a copy of the publication (standalone retail value R495).
- Date & Time: Thursday, 8 October 2026 | 18:00 – 19:00
- Venue: Hofmeyr-saal, Church Street, Stellenbosch
- Format: Bilingual presentation (Afrikaans and English)
- Bookings: Online via Quicket
For further cultivar research, producer resources, or industry inquiries, visit www.sauvignonblanc.com or contact [email protected].