Robert Fukudome started with the KW Winemakers Guild in 2010. He had an increasing interest in wine for many years previous to joining the group, but had never made wine before. Being directed toward this group he had known of its reputation and knowledge about wine, grapes, fruit and fermentation. Robert’s increasing thirst for hands on learning and hard work is shown in every vintage he produces. Some of Robert’s wine has shown great results. Thus far, Robert has acquired several medals at the Amateur Wines of Ontario Competition. Currently Robert has the honor of being the Club Past President of the KW Winemakers Guild. With many aspects to wine making Robert uses his artistic ability in creating a suitable wine room to cellar his wines as well as designs unique wine labels to show case each vintage. Having many hobbies this is certainly at the top of his rack.

Mat Vaughan has been an amateur winemaker since 2007. What started out as a fun small hobby has slowly grown over the years. Since joining the Kitchener Waterloo Winemakers’ Guild, Mat’s winemaking skills have steadily improved. From starting out making winekits out of his basement, Mat is now one of the top competitors in the Amateur Winemakers’ of Ontario ranking within the top 5 winemakers from 2012 to 2014. He competes in all 23 classes of wine, but his real passion and expertise is in crafting full bodied refined red wines. He is also a hard cider maker and in 2014 won the honor of becoming Ontario’s grandmaster cider maker.
Most recently Mat has taken the next step in the winemaker’s evolution and with his family purchased 23-acres of fertile land in Ontario’s garden – Norfolk County, also known as the most up-and-coming wine region the South Coast wine region. He now has a small test vineyard and orchard planted and hopes to someday open his own commercial winery and cidery.