How many stories can one cultivar tell? Quite a few, as The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, a book conversation and tasting, will demonstrate at the 2026 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees on Thursday, 8 October.
Presented by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, the non-profit cultivar organisation dedicated to promoting South African Sauvignon Blanc, in collaboration with Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the event will explore the diversity and character of the cultivar.
Hosted by Spier Cellar Master Johan Jordaan, the one-hour experience will feature wines from 11 Stellenbosch producers: Bertha Wines, Kleine Zalze, Le Grand Domaine, Neethlingshof, Neil Ellis, Spier, Thelema, Vergelegen, Villiera, Visio Vintners and Zorgvliet. A selection of winemakers and producers will be present to share their perspectives, while Johan leads a formal tasting of selected wines. The conversation will range from fresh, coastal-influenced styles to more complex wines with the structure and character to develop beautifully over time.
At the heart of the event is The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, the first-ever definitive book dedicated to the cultivar in South Africa. Published in September 2025 by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa in collaboration with Tip Africa Publishing, the 248-page coffee-table book brings together 100 stories from the people, places and wines that have shaped South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc journey. It also features a unique aroma wheel with 72 Sauvignon Blanc aroma profiles.
Take the story home
The R550 ticket includes a copy of the book, which is otherwise available directly from Sauvignon Blanc SA for R495, excluding courier fees. Guests therefore receive the book, a guided Sauvignon Blanc tasting and the opportunity to join the conversation for R550.
The event takes place on Thursday, 8 October, from 18h00 to 19h00 at the Hofmeyr-saal on Church Street, Stellenbosch, and will be presented in both Afrikaans and English. Tickets can be booked through Quicket at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377941-die-storie-van-sauvignon-blanc.
For more information about Sauvignon Blanc SA, visit www.sauvignonblanc.com or contact info@sauvignonblanc.com.