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 Alle 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 years 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 nonmembers. Tea/coffee and lunch will be served.
For more information about the seminar or to obtain a registration form, please contact Anka du Toit:
admin@sauvignonblanc.com.

ENDS
Issued by

Marlene Truter Communications

Contact: Marlene Truter
Tel: 083 294 6060
marlene@marlenetruter.co.za

On behalf of

SBIG
Contact: Anka du Toit
Tel: 021 863 1599
admin@sauvignonblanc.com