CHARLES Sturt University (CSU’s) is known for many things, and soon they hope, it will also be known for producing boutique wines.
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This Thursday, Bathurst’s CSU campus will throw open the doors to the public for a free wine tasting event of its latest vintages.
CSU winery sales co-ordinator Narrelle Ingold said the university was hoping to reignite the public’s passion for its wine at the event.
She said there had been a recent misconception that CSU had ceased making wine.
“We closed the commercial winery back in 2015. The community thought that the whole thing had closed, but it hasn’t,” Ms Ingold said.
“There’s just not enough money on a commercial scale.
“Now we’ve focused on regions, techniques and varieties.”
Thursday’s tasting event will feature a range of varieties, including: shiraz, chardonnay, tempranillo, rose and nebbiolo.
“Come and meet the wine maker and engage with CSU staff,” Ms Ingold said.
Some CSU wines have already won medals including the Tempranillo 2016 which won a gold at the Australian and New Zealand Boutique Wine Show in August.
While the Rose Tempranillo 2016 was awarded a gold medal as well as best rose at the show.
Other wines that will be available for tasting include: Alumni Shiraz 2016, Alumni Chardonnay 2016, Boutique Range Shiraz 2016, Boutique Range Nebbiolo 2016, Boutique Range Chardonnay 2016 – Tumbarbumba and the Boutique Range Chardonnay 2016 – Orange.
Ms Ingold said CSU has had a long history with wine making and teaching, including its three current courses: wine science, viticulture and wine making.
A range of wines have been produced at CSU’s Wagga Wagga campus since the 1970s when it was then know as the Agriculture College.
Ms Ingold said at this stage no liquor outlets in Bathurst sell CSU wines, however they can be purchased online at http://winery.csu.edu.au/.
CSU’s tasting event will be held in the Rafters Bar at the Bathurst camps from 4pm to 6.30pm.
Entry is free and includes nibbles provided the university’s food and beverage department.