Sauvvy B fans, take note: there’s now an official book
The first definitive book on one of South Africa’s most iconic white wines has been launched, bringing together its history, people and global rise.
Landmark publication
The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, a 248-page book, was launched on Thursday 11 September 2025 at CapeWine in Cape Town. It marks the first time the story of the cultivar has been captured in a single volume.
The book traces Sauvignon Blanc’s journey from the first plantings at Groot Constantia in the late 1880s, to the release of the first commercial example in 1977, and its international acclaim today. It profiles some 60 producers, alongside pioneers including Danie de Wet, Niel Ellis, Charles Hopkins, Bartho Eksteen and Thys Louw.
Elunda Basson, chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA, said the book meets a long-standing need to record the cultivar’s rise: “We wanted to preserve the history as a legacy for the next generation – and as a guide to the future.”
She added: “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.”
Research and recognition
Chapters also examine the role of research, the producer body Sauvignon Blanc SA, and the influence of competitions such as the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Partner Content
The book highlights international milestones too, including South Africa hosting the Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in 2023. It was the first time the world’s largest Sauvignon Blanc competition took place in the Southern Hemisphere and outside Europe.
Another feature is the launch of South Africa’s first Sauvignon Blanc aroma wheel, developed by Stellenbosch University’s South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) and Sauvignon Blanc SA in collaboration with South Africa Wine and international experts. Freely available at www.sauvignonblanc.com, the tool is designed for winemakers, marketers, educators and wine lovers to better understand the grape’s stylistic diversity.
Collaboration at the core
Basson stressed the importance of collaboration in 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.”
Printed by Tip Africa Publishing, 1,500 copies are already in circulation. Priced at R495 per copy plus courier fees, the book can be ordered via Eunice Joubert.
Described as both a celebration of the cultivar and a marketing tool for South African wine, The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc is set to find its way into tasting rooms, cellars and bookshelves worldwide.
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