De Trafford Wines

03/09/2026

We’re delighted to see our wines receiving some wonderful recognition recently.

For us, the real reward is seeing the work in the vineyard and cellar reflected in the glass — vintage after vintage.

🍷 De Trafford Belfield 2023 | Elgin | 95 points

🍷 De Trafford Straw Wine 2022| Cape Coast | 95 points

🍷 De Trafford Blueprint Syrah 2023 | Stellenbosch | 94 points

🍷 De Trafford CWG Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 | Stellenbosch | 94 points

🍷 De Trafford CWG L17 Chenin Blanc 2025 | Stellenbosch | 94 points

🍷 De Trafford Elevation 393 2020 | Stellenbosch | 94 points

🍷 De Trafford Merlot 2022 | Stellenbosch | 94 points

🍷 De Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 | Stellenbosch | 93 points

🍷 De Trafford Chenin Blanc 2025 | Stellenbosch | 93 points

We’re proud of the consistency across the range, but perhaps even more proud that these wines continue to express where they come from and how we believe wine should be made.

A big thank you to everyone who continues to support De Trafford — and to those who take the time to taste, share and recognise the wines.

31/08/2026

29/08/2026

We finished pruning on Tuesday 25 August, but the team left me a few vines to try and explain the difference between the cane pruning system for our Chenin Blanc and the more common spur pruning with a permanent cordon arm we use here in our Cabernet Sauvignon block. The advantage of the spur pruning is that it’s easier and quicker but the increased pruning wounds tend to reduce the life of the plant and there is a lot more suckering needed during the busy growing season. Removing unwanted shoots growing out of the permanent cordon, spurs and trunk. So in our situation 1m cordon, 0,8m for the spurs and 0,7m for the trunk. So 2,5m per vine x 5000 vines / hectare. So, 10 250m need to be suckered compared to 3 500m if it was cane pruned.
Always a nice milestone to finish the pruning and important to prune each variety at the right time for optimum even bud break and get the season off to a positive start. A very early start due to the early start to winter and a dry warm mid to late winter.

29/08/2026

We finished pruning on Tuesday 25 August, but the team left me a few vines to try and explain the difference between the cane pruning system for our Chenin Blanc (image 2) and the more common spur pruning with a permanent cordon arm we use here in our Cabernet Sauvignon block. The advantage of the spur pruning is that it’s easier and quicker but the increased pruning wounds tend to reduce the life of the plant and there is a lot more suckering needed during the busy growing season. Removing unwanted shoots growing out of the permanent cordon, spurs and trunk. So in our situation 1m cordon, 0,8m for the spurs and 0,7m for the trunk. So 2,5m per vine x 5000 vines / hectare. So, 10 250m need to be suckered compared to 3 500m if it was cane pruned.
Always a nice milestone to finish the pruning and important to prune each variety at the right time for optimum even bud break and get the season off to a positive start. A very early start due to the early start to winter and a dry warm mid to late winter.

28/08/2026

Our last FRIDAY LUNCH for August. Chef Louise Flanagan explains the menu and David Trafford the wines for today. Another beautiful day in the mountains with delicious food and wine.
Next week we will focus on our Cape Winemakers Guild Auction wines for the month of September leading up to the annual Auction on 2nd and 3rd October.
Cape Winemakers Guild

21/08/2026

Join us for our wine inspired Friday Lunch. A few spots available this Friday 28 August.
Contact us or book online. www.detrafford.co.za
021 8801611 or [email protected]

19/08/2026

BUDDING TIME.
Our Chenin Blanc is springing to life.
It’s wonderful to think that each bud will produce a long cane with about 22 leaves and two bunches of grapes that we’ll squish and ferment into something delicious.
On a technical note remember my cane pruning video a few weeks ago and look at how even the budding is along the whole cane in the video.
We will finish pruning the Cabernet Sauvignon early next week and then the focus will shift to nurturing the budding vines. David Trafford

17/08/2026

We’re all waiting for your bookings for a
Walk in the Mountains (Sat. 5 September) with David Trafford
Friday Lunches
(The whole programme until end 2026)
Weekday Tastings by Appointment or just pitch for our informal Saturday tastings.
Take your pick. Watch out for our email out today or head to our website.