Sauvignon Blanc South Africa has elected Elunda Basson as its new chairperson. Picture: Supplied/Steenberg Vineyards.
Image: Supplied/Steenberg Vineyards.
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.
Basson, an acclaimed winemaker with a track record of excellence, takes over the reigns from RJ Botha.
As a cellar master at Steenberg Vineyards since 2019, Basson has been instrumental in reinforcing Constantia’s reputation for top-tier Sauvignon Blanc.
Basson notes her transition as a pivotal moment. “Moving from primarily sparkling wines to mastering Sauvignon Blanc was an exciting challenge.
A renowned Cap Classique specialist and vice-chairperson of the Cap Classique Producers Association, she has previously worked with 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).
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.”
Outgoing chairperson RJ Botha (2018–2025), cellar master of Kleine Zalze, reflected on his tenure and said, “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.”
Outgoing chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, RJ Botha (2018–2025), cellar master of Kleine Zalze. Picture: Supplied/Kleine Zalze.
Image: Supplied/Kleine Zalze.
As Sauvignon Blanc SA enters a new era, women continue to play a pivotal role in shaping its evolution. Basson adds: “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.”
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