De Trafford Wines is situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm set at the top of a dramatic valley above Stellenbosch, 380m up between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, right at the end of the Blaauwklip road, between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.

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The history of wine growing on this mountain farm started with the purchase of the property in 1976 by the Trafford family as inaccessible grazing land and many of the high altitude slopes were deemed suitable for high quality red grape varieties. In 1983 a small vineyard was established to produce experimental wines – consumed by family and friends!

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In 1991 the winery was registered in time for the 1992 harvest and a new vineyard was planted in 1994 and 1995. Varieties, clones, rootstocks, vine densities and trellis systems were carefully chosen to suit the subtle variations in soil and microclimate, aimed is to produce high quality red wines which convey the personality and uniqueness of this mountain site to the full.

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In addition to grapes grown on Mont Fleur, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc grapes have been sourced from three vineyards in the Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountain area to produce grapes with highly concentrated, balanced flavour from naturally low yielding vines. Rows of vines are carefully chosen from the various vineyard blocks and monitored throughout the growing season to ensure the best possible quality fruit. The winery's tiny production of 3500 cases means we can pay every attention to detail.

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David Trafford, owner & winemaker, qualified as an Architect from the University of Cape Town in 1988 and worked as a full time architect until 1994. David traded architecture for Wine & Wife by leaving work and marrying Rita, a qualified chef & aspiring artist. Living in the middle of the vineyard and close to the winery, they watch over all aspects of the business.