"I am honoured today to open Charles Sturt University’s new state-of-the art $2.5 million wine production facility. 

"Today’s event emphasises the University’s strengths in wine education, and demonstrates that regional Australia is continuing to compete with the world’s best in this area.

"Retail sales are already in the order of $1.5 million a year and the new facility is designed for 10 times the capacity of the original winery. It will crush up to 500 tonnes of grapes annually, and will allow production of up to 30 to 35,000 cases, with a retail value of $3 to $3.5 million. 

"All on-campus second year students are required to spend part of their time in the new commercial winery working under the guidance of staff. 

"The initiative illustrates CSU’s commitment to providing hands-on experience for students in a commercially successful and increasingly popular enterprise such as wine education."

[News release from Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson]

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