How Our Journey Began

Wayfarer Wines is a family run vineyard created by the Ashford family. Together they manage two vineyards totalling just over 8 acres under vine, with a plan to plant a further 7.5 acres in the near future.

Matt, Vineyard Manager, says “Our focus is creating truly outstanding still wines from Kent, unlike many English Vineyards, we dont produce any sparkling at all!

It first began in 2016 when my father planted the first vineyard to the rear to the Ashford family home. We realised there was a gap in the market for exceptional English still wines. We felt they were often an afterthought, not the priority when making decisions around british viticulture and harvests.

As still wine producers the driving force behind all our decisions is quality over quantity and really allowing the sugars and characteristic flavours of the grape to develop to their fullest potential to ensure the best possible still wines.

Meet the Team

  • Emma Ashford

    Whilst gaining her AAT qualifications Emma has worked in some of Kent’s best gastropubs, and knows how to deliver top customer service. Her diverse skills dont stop there- she can also be found in the vineyard throughout the year. A qualified WSET student, Emma also hosts our Tours and tastings. Emma says “for me its about so much more than pouring wine, its about delivering an exceptional experience in the vineyard”

  • Karen Ashford

    Karen has a background in restaurant wholesale and small business management. Karen joined the team to develop the commercial side of the business. Karen says “I think we have a really unique take on the English wine industry. We are changing perceptions of what people expect from English still wines, and to be a part of that is really exciting!”

  • Matt Ashford

    Like many of his contemporaries, Matt has graduated from Plumpton college, the UK’s center for excellence in viticulture and oenology. Matt says “I love the outdoors, so being in the vineyard year round I feel right at home. Im fascinated by the science behind viticulture. I’m constantly assessing the vines and soil health, with a very hands on approach to make sure we produce excellent still wines year after year.”

  • Jeff Ashford

    After a successful career in the software industry, Jeff took his retirement and seeded the idea of Wayfarer Wines. He oversaw the planting of the first vineyard in 2016, and completed courses at Plumpton college. Jeff Says “I love to share my passion for wine and viticulture with the family, and seeing the business develop has been so rewarding”

  • Linda Ashford

    Linda supports the family vision for outstanding still wines in Kent. She is a keen social historian and has done extensive research aout the Wayfarer house. Linda says “Wayfarers is the name of the family home on the Pilgrims Way in Kent. This is the historic route from Winchester to Canterbury and is a favoured route today with many cyclists, walkers and horse riders. We thought it was the perfect name for the family business as it embodies discovery, and our love of the English countryside.”

  • Maple the Vineyard Dog

    Maple is an English Springer Spaniel. She can be found begging for tummy tickles or bouncing around the vineyard at the heels of Matt. Maple says “woof!”

    Wayfarer Wines is a quintessentially English brand. Discover your new favourite wine.

  • Clover the Vineyard Dog

    Clover Joined the team in 2022 and is featured on our Bacchus label. When she isn’t out walking through the vineyard with Emma, you may find her curled up in our tasting room just waiting for a treat and a ‘good girl’. Her favorite things are treats and cuddles.