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Arbor Mist Announces Two Fantastic New Flavors; Arbor Mist Kicks Off Merlot Madness with Introduction of Blackberry Merlot and Cranberry Twist White Merlot

Business Wire, March 2, 2000

Business & Food Editors

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CANANDAIGUA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2000

Arbor Mist welcomed two new flavors to its product line-up with the addition of Blackberry Merlot and Cranberry Twist White Merlot. Now with a total of seven irresistible flavors, Arbor Mist offers even more refreshingly unexpected "Wine With Fruit" products for consumers to enjoy.

"As the Arbor Mist brand grows, we continue to respond to consumer desire for exciting and delicious new developments in the 'Wine With Fruit' category," said Marketing Manager Sonali Ganti of Canandaigua Wine Company. "Blackberry Merlot and Cranberry Twist White Merlot are natural extensions of the Arbor Mist line, reflecting the popularity and growth of the Merlot varietal, as well as consumer enjoyment of fruit combinations."

Blackberry Merlot and Cranberry Twist White Merlot will both be available in 750 ml and 1.5 L sizes, as are the other five Arbor Mist flavors. Blackberry Merlot will join Strawberry White Zinfandel, Exotic Fruits White Zinfandel, and Tropical Fruits Chardonnay as the fourth Arbor Mist flavor available in the 375 ml (12.6 fl. oz.) size. Arbor Mist is the only "Wine With Fruit" currently offered in the 375 ml size. Both new flavors are available nationally.

Arbor Mist has enjoyed one of the most successful launches in Canandaigua Wine Company history, shipping over one million cases in its first 100 days of distribution. The product launched a popular new hybrid wine category, "Wine With Fruit," generating tremendous excitement in the wine industry and among consumers. Arbor Mist created a brand new transitional wine segment, combining real varietal wine with natural fruit flavors, and it enjoys strong appeal to both occasional and moderate wine drinkers. For more information about Arbor Mist, visit their interactive website at www.arbormist.com.

Canandaigua Wine Company offers a stable of quality national brands, including Almaden, Inglenook, Paul Masson, Taylor, Mystic Cliffs, Manischewitz, Dunnewood, Deer Valley, Marcus James, and Cook's Champagne. The second largest wine producer in the nation, Canandaigua Wine Company is a worldwide leader in quality wines for the enjoyment of everyday life. Canandaigua Wine Company is a subsidiary of Canandaigua Brands, Inc., the nation's largest single-source supplier of wines, imported beers, and spirits.

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