It was a family affair when Winemaker and Managing Director of Casella Wines, John Casella, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in April 2008. Dr Casella received the doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the Australian wine industry, particularly through the creation of new export markets, the economic health of the Riverina region of NSW, and to wine education and research programs at CSU. Founded in 1969 by his parents, Filippo and Maria Casella, Casella Wines dramatically increased production under Dr Casella, who also oversaw the launch of the [yellow tail] brand into the United States in 2001. The [yellow tail] brand is the most successful launch of an Australian wine brand in the history of the Australian wine industry. In addition to praise of his management of the family business, Dr Casella was honoured for his commitment to developing the skills and capacity of young people in the Riverina. He attended the CSU graduation ceremony in Wagga Wagga with his parents, his wife and four children.