A Charles Sturt University wine science student has won the 26^th Annual Vin de Champagne Award.

Second year full-time student Simon Cole has toured some of the world’s greatest champagne houses since being awarded the national title in September. He won the student category as judged by leading Australian and French wine writers and champagne tasting experts.

Simon’s knowledge of champagne was assessed through a blind tasting and oral and written examinations. The award is made under the auspices of the Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (France).

The major prize was a two-week study tour of the Champagne region of France – providing an opportunity to visit many of the famed Champagne houses as well as taste and dine in the "French fashion".

Simon also toured some of Australia’s leading sparkling wine production areas since claiming the title ("champagne" is restricted to wines of that region of France - all others are known as "sparkling wines").

His family owns Camberwarra Estate in NSW and he has a commitment to the wine industry through the family business.

CSU Head of the School of Wine and Food Sciences, Professor Geoff Scollary, congratulated Simon on his award, and said the achievement had; "created quite a buzz amongst the other students – I’m sure the 2000 award is going to prove very competitive ".

Professor Scollary said the school was committed to excellence in wine education, and when students win a prize such as Vin de Champagne Award, it is in some ways an endorsement of the school’s education program.

He said the latest star student had now enrolled in the subject "Sparkling Wine Production" in 2000. "Perhaps", said Professor Scollary, "I can ask Simon to lead the tasting section of the subject!"