Appointed last week as Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, Elunda Basson is rewriting the rules of winemaking
Sauvignon Blanc is no lightweight in the South African wine industry. Accounting for 15.3 million litres in domestic sales and a staggering 60.5 million litres exported in 2023 alone, it is South Africa’s most exported cultivar, generating over R1.6 billion in export value last year. With South African Sauvignon Blanc now exported to major markets like the UK, Germany, Canada, the US, and France, the industry’s rapid growth is undeniable.
As the new Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, Elunda Basson is poised to be pivotal in steering the industry toward greater success. With her extensive background in winemaking and a clear vision for the future, her appointment to the association signals a renewed focus on premiumisation and innovation.
Yet behind the numbers lies a story of leadership, resilience, and transformation. Enter Elunda Basson, a winemaker who has not only carved her name as a master of Methode Cap Classique (MCC) but is also shaping the future of South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc. Basson’s impact on the industry is profound as both the winemaker at Steenberg Vineyards and the Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa.
The Journey to Leadership
Basson’s story is deeply rooted in the land.
“I grew up spending most of my school holidays on farms in the Karoo and Namaqualand,” she recalls. “I was born and bred outdoors, loving animals, plants, and agriculture. So when I studied at Elsenburg and started working in winemaking, it felt like a natural extension of that passion.”
Her early career saw her hone her craft at Nederburg, where she worked as a red winemaker for eight years. She later shifted focus to Cap Classique at JC Le Roux and Pongrácz, where her MCC expertise flourished. This depth of experience led Steenberg to tap Basson for her knowledge of sparkling wine and Sauvignon Blanc.
“Steenberg had already built a strong reputation for Cap Classique, with standouts like Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay MCC and Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir MCC. These sparkling wines had become synonymous with elegance and precision. But equally tempting was their premium Sauvignon Blanc portfolio, particularly the Steenberg The Black Swan, which offers distinctive expressions of Constantia’s cool-climate terroir – it was too good an opportunity to pass up,” she says.
Breaking Glass Ceilings in Winemaking
Winemaking has traditionally been male-dominated, but Basson’s determination has seen her emerge as a trailblazer.
“I’ve never felt intimidated,” she says. “It’s not enough anymore to just meet expectations; you have to exceed them. The industry is in a space where we need rockstar people to showcase South African wine’s true potential.”
Basson’s vision aligns with the growing premiumisation trend in South African wine.
“We can’t rely on middle-of-the-road wines anymore,” she asserts. “If South Africa is going to compete on the global stage, we must elevate our Sauvignon Blanc to stand alongside the best in the world.”
Her leadership at Sauvignon Blanc SA will see the association embrace this ambition, with a renewed focus on championing premium wines celebrating varietal diversity.
“Our wines offer a unique combination of old-world elegance and new-world fruit expression,” she explains. “This mix creates exceptional age-ability and complexity, giving South African Sauvignon Blanc a distinctive edge internationally.”
Mentorship and the Future
For Basson, empowering the next generation of winemakers is equally critical.
“At Steenberg, we embrace the opportunity to bring in young winemakers and protégés during harvest. It’s a powerful mentorship space where we can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and help develop future industry leaders.”
Through Sauvignon Blanc SA, she’s committed to ensuring this knowledge-sharing culture extends across the industry.
“Our association must be a space where producers feel supported. We need platforms where younger winemakers can connect with experienced mentors, share insights, and get advice when they hit challenges in the cellar,” she says.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Basson is determined to see South African Sauvignon Blanc’s star rise even higher.
“We’re focusing on clear messaging: South African Sauvignon Blanc can be premium, elegant, and exceptional. We must own that narrative internationally.”
She’s also committed to innovation, encouraging winemakers to embrace bold techniques. “We’re already experimenting with techniques like glass-jug fermentation at Diemersdal, and these innovations are exciting global buyers. We need to be smarter about telling these stories.”
For Basson, changing perceptions isn’t just about promoting individual brands – it’s about strengthening South Africa’s wine industry. “We must be unapologetic about the quality we produce. It’s time for South African Sauvignon Blanc to take its place alongside the best in the world confidently.”
As a winemaker and industry leader, Elunda Basson drives that change – one harvest, one bottle, and one bold idea at a time.
