Elunda Basson has carved out a space for herself as a seasoned winemaker, leader, mentor and tireless advocate for premium South African Sauvignon Blanc.
With 28 vintages at some of the country’s most iconic estates under her belt, Elunda Basson is shaping a new future that’s more inclusive, quality-focused and globally competitive.
Her journey started in the dry landscapes of the Karoo, far from the lush vineyards of the Boland. “I always knew I wanted to work in agriculture,” she says. “The Boland is renowned for its winelands, so I understood that I would need to specialise in wine if I wanted to work here. Little did I know just how big the world of wine actually is and how much potential for travelling the world there would be.”
Her early connection to the land and respect for nature define her winemaking philosophy. “Mother Nature is the giver of this fruit of the vine, and human intervention can only take it so far,” she says. “If the quality is not in the fruit and terroir, it will never be in the wine. This humbling realisation keeps me grateful and aware of my role in the winemaking process.”
Today, Elunda is the head winemaker at Steenberg Vineyards in Constantia and the chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, one of the few women leading a significant wine association. In both roles, she’s helping redefine how the industry approaches quality, branding, and leadership.
As chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, she’s on a mission to elevate South Africa’s signature white varietal. “My role entails representing all member winemakers and brands passionate about Sauvignon Blanc,” she says. “It’s about ensuring we get the local and international attention Sauvignon Blanc deserves. It’s also about promoting the message of quality and value that this beautiful grape variety delivers to consumers globally.”
Elunda believes South Africa’s unique terroirs and microclimates offer a golden opportunity. “Our diversity is our superpower,” she says. “Our unique aroma profiles and regional styles give us a competitive edge. However, we need simple marketing messages explaining who we are. We need strong brands that aren’t afraid to aim for premium and super premium price points.” She envisions a future where South African Sauvignon Blanc holds its own alongside global icons. “We need iconic wines and rock-star winemakers,” she says with a smile.
For Elunda, leadership is not just about influence. It’s about giving back. She’s mentored countless young winemakers, offering them guidance and encouragement and finding them placements. At Steenberg, she welcomes interns during harvest, creating hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation. “Find your passion, work hard at it, be confident and speak up,” she advises. “Work hard to build a network of like-minded women who can support you in tough moments.” Her mentorship extends beyond national borders – she regularly helps aspiring winemakers find placements abroad and encourages them to gain international experience to grow personally and professionally.
Being a woman in a historically male-dominated field hasn’t deterred her. In fact, it’s fuelled her drive. “I think tough women in male-dominated industries enjoy the challenge of proving their worth,” she says. “I’ve always tried to work hard, do my research and show up like I know what’s going on. Confidence and the right attitude are critical. But equally important is building a network of women who support one another.”
She acknowledges that more needs to be done while progress is being made. “We need to make space at the table for more women, particularly in leadership roles. That starts with mentorship and visibility and showing young women they belong here too.”
After studying at Elsenburg in 1997, Elunda’s winemaking journey took her from Franschhoek to California, and back. She worked at Rickety Bridge and Nederburg, and led the sparkling wine production team at JC Le Roux and Pongracz for over a decade before joining Steenberg in 2019. Each stop added a new layer to her skill set. “Winemaking is both an art and a science,” she says. “You need to respect tradition but also embrace new tools and ideas. That’s how we continue to grow and push boundaries. Innovation is not about gimmicks. It’s about refinement, quality and staying relevant in a competitive global market.”
With multiple awards and accolades under her belt, one achievement stands out above everything else. “Nothing beats walking into a space where people are enjoying a meal with loved ones and seeing your bottle of wine on the table,” she says. “That’s the biggest thrill of all.”
When asked what kind of legacy she hopes to leave, she doesn’t hesitate with an answer. “I want to help grow the profile of Sauvignon Blanc because I love it and believe in it passionately,” she says. “And I want to create opportunities for women and young winemakers to thrive. I want to introduce change. Leaders have the ability to step out of their comfort zones, grow and inspire. That’s the kind of leader I want to be.”
