MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release 26.11.2015
SBIG TECHNICAL SEMINAR SET TO OFFER NOVEL SAUVIGNON BLANC INSIGHTS
On Wednesday, 2 December, The Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group of South Africa (SBIG) invites all
those interested to Allée Bleue in Simondium for the 2015 SBIG Technical Seminar. This annual event,
proudly sponsored by FNB, promises to share the latest insights on all things Sauvignon Blanc with
stakeholders from across the wine industry spectrum.
The SBIG Technical Seminar provides a platform for discussion of current issues pertaining to Sauvignon
Blanc, one of South Africa's most popular and acclaimed grape varieties, empowering the local industry
with the technical know-how to enhance its competitiveness in this rapidly growing market segment.
“The FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition is a testament to the depth of wine-making talent we have
in South Africa and the remarkable quality of wine in this year’s competition has been exemplary. Events
such as the Technical Seminar will no doubt continue to promote excellence and innovation in the
winemaking industry,” said Stephan Claassen, FNB Business Provincial Head: Western Cape.
Distinguished experts from South Africa and abroad will shed light on a host of topical subjects ranging
from the latest in research to marketing and industry news. These topics will include a presentation on
label innovations by Rian Moore and Zyon le Seuer from Collotype, and sensory science and its
importance for the future of a competitive wine industry by Valeria Panzeri from the IGWS.
Emmanuelle Mellot (Domaine Alphonse Mellot) will lead a discussion on Sauvignon Blancs from
Sancerre, while DGB group viticulturist Stephan Joubert will talk about managing flavour in the
vineyard while adapting for vintage differences. Marketing trends relating to Sauvignon Blanc will
also be covered in the programme.
Charles Hopkins (panel convenor) and Dr Carien Coetzee from Stellenbosch University will give feedback
about this year's FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition, the only local wine show exclusively
dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc. There will also be an informal tasting of the Top10 winning wines.
Pre-registration is compulsory. Registration costs are R500.00 for SBIG members and R700.00 for non-
members. Tea/coffee and lunch will be served.
For more information about the seminar or to obtain a registration form, please contact Anka du Toit:
ENDS
Issued by Marlene Truter Communications
Contact: Marlene Truter
Tel: 083 294 6060
On behalf of SBIG
Contact: Anka du Toit
Tel: 021 863 1599
