The 2013 vintage harvest has concluded at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange, with strong yields and excellent quality in all varieties picked. CSU Winery marketing manager Mr Justin Byrne said the second crop of Riesling to be harvested at CSU in Orange yielded six tonnes. “It’s just as well, since the 2012 Charles Sturt ‘R’ Riesling has been very popular and is likely to run out soon, so it is good to know we have a great follow-up in the 2013 vintage,” he said. The harvest also included three tonnes of Pinot Gris, a good crop of 40 tonnes of Chardonnay destined to become both sparkling and table wine, and 17 tonnes of Sauvignon Blanc. “The question remains as to whether the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc will be better than the 2012, which is in the market now,” Mr Byrne said.  “We have to wait until the spring to see.” The red varieties also performed well, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon relishing the warm growing season. “The Cabernet Sauvignon is the last of the varieties to be harvested at Charles Sturt and will spend at least 18 months in barrel before bottling for release sometime in 2015. So patience is required,” Mr Byrne said.