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Joining me on today’s episode of the English Wine Diaries is Karen Ashford, from Wayfarer Wines in Woodchurch, Kent. 

Wayfarer was founded by Jeff Ashford in 2016, when he planted his first vineyard to the rear of his family home on the Pilgrims Way in the edge of the Weald of Kent. 

His family now runs two vineyards spread across 8 acres and plan to double that with more plantings soon. 

Unlike many English Vineyards, Wayfarer doesn’t produce any sparkling wine, instead focusing on producing truly outstanding still wines. 

The driving force behind all their 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.

Karen, who is married to Jeff’s son and Wayfarer’s Vineyard Manager, Matt Ashford, has a background in restaurant wholesale and small business management and joined the team to develop the commercial side of the business. 

She 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!”

Find out more about Wayfarere Wines at wayfarerwines.com or by following them on Instagram @wayfarerwines. 

This episode of The English Wine Diaries is sponsored by Rankin Bros & Sons — trusted suppliers of corks, closures, and packaging solutions to the UK wine industry since 1774. To learn more about how Rankin is supporting the future of British wine, visit rankincork.co.uk.

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