An innovative experimental winery is set to enhance Australia’s reputation for producing a quality product from the fruit of the vine.

 

The NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Mr Ian Macdonald, will officially turn the first sod for the new extension at 11am on Tuesday 30 January 2007.

 

The new winery will add important research facilities to the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) on Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Wagga Wagga Campus. The expansion enhances a strong partnership between CSU, the NSW Wine Industry Association and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, which provided $500 000 towards the experimental winery.

 

The NWGIC Director, Professor Geoff Scollary, says he is “ecstatic that the next stage of construction is about to start, which we have worked towards for the last five years”.

 

“Now more than ever the wine industry needs strong scientific and practical information to guide long term sustainability and profitability,” says Professor Scollary. He believes the expansion “will further establish CSU Wagga Wagga as one of the nation’s leading wine extension and research centres”.

 

Established ten years ago, the NGWIC aims to improve the ability of small wineries to produce fine wines that satisfy the palates of consumers while increasing the sustainability and profitability of the nation’s wine industry.

 

The Experimental Winery will complement viticulture trials throughout NSW which are designed to improve grape and wine quality and investigate the impact of different management techniques on grape and wine composition. The CSU facility is part of a $30 million, five year project to expand the NWGIC and will be a key component of work carried out through the Winegrowing Futures program.

 

This year 120 wines will be produced at the CSU Winery. The extension will allow production to increase to 150 wines for the 2008 vintage and allow laboratory and tasting facilities to be relocated.

 

Professor Scollary says six one-tonne fermenters worth a further $84 000 will be constructed next to the new development. Construction is expected to commence in May and should be completed in time for the 2008 vintage.

 

The University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ross Chambers, said “the contribution of the NSW Department of Primary Industries, through the funding announced by the NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald, demonstrates a commitment to the partnership within the NWGIC. I look forward to further collaboration and commitment to working with the wine industry”.