00:00Matt and Karen Ashford quit their jobs to live a dream and now they're experts in wine while
00:06being full-time parents. Five years ago these were just empty fields however these grapes now
00:11are estimated to produce up to 25,000 bottles of wine each year and the Ashford family still
00:17have plans to expand. Wayfarer Wines run by the Ashford family managed just over eight acres of
00:23vineyard while balancing the hardships of parenthood raising two young children. Having
00:29support definitely really helps so if you've got family that can help out so my mum helps with the
00:33children when we both have to work because obviously there's times where all hands on deck type thing at
00:37harvest time and so having family or just a little support network of friends really really helps
00:43I think it's just nearly impossible to do it on your own. It's a juggling act 100%. It quickly became
00:49clear that the Ashford success is rooted in people. For them the key ingredient isn't just soil, sun
00:56or grape. It's family and love. It's good coming to see like you know I see my family pretty much every
01:04day multiple times a week kind of thing so that's that's a good thing that keeps us nice and close
01:10as a family. Since 2016 the Ashford's focus has been on producing exceptional still wines that reflect
01:17the character and quality of the Kent countryside. In fact earlier this year their wines earned a silver
01:23wine GB award followed by a bronze. We think that we produce good wine but it's really nice to get
01:30proper recognition for that so yeah it's really satisfying. Their journey began in 2016 when Matt's
01:38father planted the first vines behind their home. What started as a hobby has grown into a successful
01:44vineyard demonstrating how the right support and determination can turn a small idea into a thriving
01:50enterprise. Maisie Walker for KMTV Wood Church
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