Appointed as Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, Elunda Basson is reshaping the winemaking landscape. In 2023, Sauvignon Blanc was South Africa’s most exported cultivar, with 60.5 million litres exported, generating over R1.6 billion. As Chairperson, Elunda aims to elevate the industry, focusing on premiumization and innovation.
Her journey is rooted in a love for agriculture. Raised in nature, Elunda studied winemaking at Elsenburg and honed her craft at Nederburg, JC Le Roux, and Pongrácz before joining Steenberg Vineyards. There, she became known for her expertise in Cap Classique and Sauvignon Blanc, particularly Steenberg’s premium portfolio.
A trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Elunda is pushing for higher-quality wines to compete globally. “We must elevate South African Sauvignon Blanc to rival the best in the world,” she says. Her leadership at Sauvignon Blanc South Africa will emphasize premium wines with unique characteristics, blending old-world elegance with new-world fruit expression.
Elunda is also passionate about mentorship. At Steenberg, she fosters a culture of learning, bringing in young winemakers to gain hands-on experience. She aims to extend this mentorship across the industry, helping the next generation of leaders thrive.
Looking ahead, Elunda is determined to position South African Sauvignon Blanc as premium, elegant, and exceptional on the global stage. With a focus on innovation, she is pushing for new techniques and smarter storytelling to raise the profile of South African wines.
Through her leadership, Elunda Basson is not just shaping her brand but also driving the transformation of the entire South African wine industry.