Western Cape Wine Estate
De Trafford Wines
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At a glance
Region
Stellenbosch
Established
1992
From Cape Town
45 km
Tastings
Available
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
Price sheets & menus
Wine Lists & Menus
Download the latest wine lists and menus from De Trafford Wines.
The inside track
The estate
De Trafford Wines is a boutique, family-run estate located at the top of the Blaauwklippen Valley, specializing in handcrafted, high-intensity wines.
Architect David Trafford and his wife Rita, an artist, started De Trafford in 1992 on Mont Fleur, the family farm at the end of Upper Blaauwklippen Road. It sits high in the mountains between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg, the closest mountain in Stellenbosch to the sea. It is still a small, hands-on family winery.
Wine
De Trafford makes high-end reds with great intensity and the structure to age, using a minimal-intervention approach in the cellar. The home vineyard grows in well-drained granite soils with enough clay to hold water through the dry summers. The flagship Elevation 393 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, chosen from the best vineyard parcels and barrels each vintage. A Syrah 393 from the steepest block is bottled on its own in some years. The range also includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, the Blueprint Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and the Straw Wine, a sweet wine made from Chenin Blanc grapes dried on racks before fermentation.
Dining
While the estate does not offer a restaurant, there are a myriad of options in the area for guests to try.
Explore more
Wine Tasting
Taste the reds, Chenin Blanc and Straw Wine in the cellar. Monday to Thursday 10:00–15:00 by appointment, Saturday 10:00–15:00 with walk-ins welcome.
Elevation 393
The flagship red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, made only from the best parcels and barrels of each vintage.
Straw Wine
A rare sweet wine made from Chenin Blanc grapes dried on straw racks to concentrate their sugar, acidity and fruit.
Cellar Tour & Vineyard Walk
See the small cellar where every wine is made and walk the high Helderberg vineyards. Book ahead.
Gallery
Estate
Where to find us
Stay here
Stay at De Trafford Wines
Stay among the vineyards at De Trafford Wines, with views across the Blaauwklippen Valley towards the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains. Choose a private three-bedroom house or Olive the Caravan for a more adventurous vineyard escape.
Explore accommodation at De Trafford WinesGallery
Accommodation
Little Villa in the Vineyard
A secluded three-bedroom house surrounded by vines, with sweeping valley and mountain views. Booked exclusively, it offers space to relax together, explore the surrounding landscape and enjoy a complimentary estate wine tasting by prior arrangement.
Features
- Exclusive Use
- Swimming Pool
- Sun Terrace
- Garden
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Dishwasher
Rates on request
Olive the Caravan
Tucked into the estate’s Chenin Blanc and Semillon vineyard, Olive offers a simple, unusual stay among the vines. Views towards the Elevation 393 vineyard and surrounding mountains create a peaceful setting for an adventurous getaway.
Features
- Vineyard Setting
- Mountain Views
- Elevation 393 Vineyard Views
- Direct Booking Available
Rates on request
More to explore
More estates in Stellenbosch
Explore the region
Your guide to the Stellenbosch Wine Valley
Explore Stellenbosch with a day built around De Trafford Wines and its neighbours.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Many estates welcome walk-ins for a casual tasting, but the popular experiences — guided cellar tours, food pairings and heritage tastings — book up fast, especially in season. We'll reserve everything for you as part of your tour.
Custom tour
Build a custom tour around De Trafford Wines
We're your local concierge in the Cape Winelands. Every estate visit is part of a bigger day — build your custom tour online and we'll craft a personalised itinerary around De Trafford Wines, or skip the form and WhatsApp us now.