Vendange Wine Cellars Adds Syrah, White Merlot to Portfolio

Business Wire, Nov 19, 2001

Business/Wine Editors

WOODBRIDGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2001

California's Vendange Wine Cellars today announced the addition of two varietals to its portfolio. California-appellated White Merlot and Syrah, two of the country's fastest-growing varietal types, will hit retail shelves nationwide this December. The wines are available in two sizes: 750 ml, with a suggested retail price of $4.99, and 1.5 L ($7.99).

"Consumers have come to appreciate the value, quality and exceptional taste Vendange wines offer," said Conness Thompson, marketing director for Vendange Wine Cellars. "We are confident the White Merlot and Syrah will be as popular with consumers as Vendange's other wines have been and look forward to the growth potential these varietals offer our brand."

The White Merlot, described as a fresh, fruity wine with hints of blackberry and raspberry, has a taste profile tailored to the White Zinfandel drinker and offers consumers an alternative in the blush wine category. The Syrah, an approachable, fruit forward wine, adds diversity to the Vendange portfolio and offers consumers the opportunity to experience an increasingly popular varietal at an affordable price point.

First introduced in 1987, Vendange Wine Cellars saw dramatic growth with the introduction of its distinctive triangular label in 1994. Known for its affordable, high quality wines, Vendange currently has the top-selling table-wine Chardonnay and Merlot in the nation, according to 52-week IRI data dated Sept. 9, 2001.

Industry critics have responded to Vendange's success with several awards including Impact Magazine's "Hot Brand Award" nine years in a row and Beverage and Food Dynamics' "Fast Track Brand Award" five years in a row. With 11 varietals in its portfolio, Vendange produces over 4 million cases annually.

Canandaigua Wine, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, STZ.B), is the second largest wine company in the United States. Canandaigua Wine satisfies millions of consumers nationwide by providing quality wines for the enjoyment of everyday life. Canandaigua Wine produces, markets and sells more then 40 well know brands. Leading table wine brands include Alice White, Almaden Bag-in-the-Box, Columbia Winery, Covey Run, Dunnewood, Inglenook, Talus and Vendange. Constellation is a leader in the production and marketing of beverage alcohol brands in North America and the United Kingdom and is a leading independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom.