Winemakers, viticulturists, marketers, and wine professionals are invited to join Sauvignon Blanc South Africa for its annual Seminar and AGM – an opportunity to gain fresh insights into the science and trends shaping South African Sauvignon Blanc, the cultivar with styles.
Taking place on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at Hazendal Wine Estate, attendees will enjoy an engaging programme featuring leading experts who will unpack the latest developments from vineyard to glass, as well as valuable discussions on trade and marketing.
Programme highlights
Viticulture
Taking it to the Next Level – Jaco Engelbrecht from Visual Viticulture shares viticulture sites that inspire.
Oenology
“Minerality” in Sauvignon Blanc: Science, Sensory, or Construct – Dr Carien Coetzee from Sauvignon Blanc SA unpacks one of the most debated aroma descriptors.
The Long Game
Ageing Sauvignon with Purpose – a panel discussion and tasting with moderator Wilhelm Pienaar (Hermanuspietersfontein Wines) and panellists RJ Botha (Kleine Zalze Wines), Charles Hopkins (De Grendel Wines), Erika Obermeyer (Erika Obermeyer Wines) and Morné Kemp (Laffort South Africa).
Trade
Export Trends – Where is South African Sauvignon Blanc Gaining Traction? – market insights from the UK, EU, USA and Asia, shared by Maryna Calow of Wines of South Africa (WoSA).
Trade
Wines without Borders – Understanding Global Wine Trade – Yvette van der Merwe of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and SAWIS explores global supply, demand, and trade barriers.
Partnerships
We Wine Together – showcasing international collaboration between Sauvignon Blanc SA, EVER s.l.r. (Italy) and EVER Solutions (South Africa) with a short video about a recent five-day winemaker exchange programme to Italy, with Bennie Avenant (EVER Solutions), Morgan Steyn (Sauvignon Blanc SA and De Grendel Wines) and JuandreBruwer (Diemersdal Wine Estate).
Marketing
Sommeliers on Sauvignon – Le Roi van de Vyver of CABO Wine Merchants discusses personal insights, challenges, and strategies when selecting, serving, and pairing Sauvignon Blanc.
Presented in collaboration with Top 10 title partner FNB, platinum partner EVER Solutions, and other valued partners, the Seminar will also feature the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc SA AGM, led by Elunda Basson, Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA.
The programme runs from 08h15 to 14h00 and includes a light lunch and an informal tasting of the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 20 finalists.
The cost is R1 100 per person for members and R1 300 per person for non-members. Seats are limited
Click HERE to book online!
Follow Sauvignon Blanc SA on X (@SauvignonSA), and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn (@sauvignonblancsa), and join the conversation using #SauvignonBlancSA. For more information, contact info@sauvignonblanc.com or 082 808 1114.
Photo captions:
- Winemakers, viticulturists, marketers, and wine professionals are invited to join Sauvignon Blanc SA for its annual Seminar at Hazendal Estate. Photo: Natalie Gabriels Photography
- Gain fresh insights into science, trends, trade and marketing at Sauvignon Blanc SA’s annual Seminar. Photo: Natalie Gabriels Photography
- Visual Viticulture’s Jaco Engelbrecht will take seminar attendees into the vineyards that are redefining South African Sauvignon Blanc.
- Dr Carien Coetzee from Sauvignon Blanc SA will discuss minerality, one of the most debated aroma descriptors, at the Sauvignon Blanc SA Seminar.
- Yvette van der Merwe, President of the OIV and Executive Manager of SAWIS, will explore flows, challenges and opportunities shaping international wine trade.
- Award-winning sommelier Le Roi van de Vyver of CABO Wine Merchants will share his expertise at the 2025 Sauvignon Blanc SA Seminar. Photo: Natalie Gabriels Photography