BOOK LAUNCH
Past, Present, Future
Sip, savour, and celebrate – The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc uncorks the heritage, pioneers, and global triumph of the country’ s favourite white wine.
South Africa’ s most popular white wine cultivar has finally received the recognition it deserves. The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, a comprehensive 248-page book, was officially launched in September 2025 at CapeWine in Cape Town.
For the first time, the complete history of Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa has been documented in a single publication, offering wine enthusiasts, producers, and industry experts an authoritative resource.
Tracing the Journey
The book traces the cultivar’ s journey from its initial plantings at Groot Constantia in the late 1880s and the launch of the first commercial Sauvignon Blanc in 1977, through to its current international recognition. Along the way, readers meet over 60 producers and industry pioneers, including Danie de Wet, Niel Ellis, Charles Hopkins, Bartho Eksteen, and Thys Louw.
Elunda Basson, chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA, states that documenting this story was long overdue.“ We wanted to capture the history as a legacy for the next generation – and as a guide to the future. Sauvignon Blanc produces wines that reflect both place and intent, and this book is an invitation to explore its incredible diversity.”
Research, Recognition and Global Success
The publication underscores the vital role of research and competitions in shaping the cultivar’ s reputation, including the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026. It also notes key milestones such as the landmark 2023 hosting of the Sauvignon
Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in South Africa – the first time the global competition was held outside Europe.
Innovation: South Africa’ s First Aroma Wheel
Adding to the excitement is South Africa’ s first Sauvignon Blanc aroma wheel, developed by Stellenbosch University’ s South African Grape and Wine Research Institute( SAGWRI) in collaboration with Sauvignon Blanc SA, local and global experts. Available free at www. sauvignonblanc. com, the tool helps winemakers, marketers, educators, and enthusiasts understand and appreciate the cultivar’ s diverse styles.
Publication Details
Published by the award-winning Tip Africa Publishing, 1,500 copies of The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc have already been printed. Priced at R495,( plus courier cost) the book is set to become a staple in tasting rooms, cellars, and private collections worldwide.
Win Your Copy
One lucky reader has the chance to win a copy of The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc. Scan the QR code to enter. Don’ t miss this opportunity to own this landmark publication and celebrate the story of a cultivar that has captivated the global palate. 50 | Summer 2025 / 26 • essentialflavours. co. za