CSU executive director of finance Paul Dowler said the university has two wineries, a commercial winery and a separate experimental winery in the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre at CSU Wagga Wagga. 

CSU students are taught and conduct research through the experimental winery and courses and students will be unaffected by the review.

Commercial operations include the growing of grapes through to the manufacture and sale of bottled wine, all under a university label.

“We know Charles Sturt Wines and the winery itself are close to the hearts of our communities and the university is looking at all options to ensure the brand continues,” Mr Dowler said.

While the review is still underway, Mr Dowler said CSU had decided it is not economical to continue to produce its own fruit and will discontinue growing grapes commercially. 

Grapes will continue to be grown at CSU in Wagga Wagga to support teaching and research activities.

He said the university had ceased contract winemaking and purchasing fruit for university wines while the review is underway.

“We appreciate the strong relationships we have developed with all the producers we have worked with in previous vintages and we’re keeping them informed as we move through this process,” he said.

“Unfortunately as many small to medium producers are finding, the Australian wine market is extremely competitive right now and with higher education funding under pressure we need to carefully review all our activities. 

“Our focus has always been on ensuring our students get skills, experience, and a return on their investment in their own education, and we’re committed to ensuring that continues in the future.”

The National Wine and Grape Industry Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga is the only industry research centre in NSW and is an alliance between CSU, The NSW Department of Primary Industries and the NSW Wine Industry Association.