Arbor Mist Introduces New Single-Serving Plastic Bottles

Combining Great Flavor with the Ideal Package for Poolside, Golf Courses and Other Venues Canandaigua, NY – April 22, 2002 -- Arbor Mist, the '1 wine with fruit brand in the U.S., announces the introduction of new, unbreakable plastic 375 ml (12.6 oz.) single-serving bottles in four flavors -- Blackberry Merlot, Exotic Fruits White Zinfandel, Peach Chardonnay and Strawberry White Zinfandel. The introduction of this exciting new package marks the first time that popular wine with fruit brands such as Arbor Mist have been available for sale in plastic bottles in the U.S. Arbor Mist's recyclable single-serving bottles are perfect for the beach or poolside, golf courses, hotels, resorts, concerts, sporting events and other venues where plastic is preferable to glass. "The new packaging opens up a range of new consumer enjoyment opportunities for Arbor Mist," says Rob Vlosky, Marketing Director for Canandaigua Wine Company's Specialty Wine Group. "As the '1 wine with fruit brand in the U.S., Arbor Mist's new single-serving bottles are a natural product extension. This is a great addition for those venues where glass is not allowed. The new packaging is perfectly suited to our consumers' active lifestyles and drinking preferences." On April 22, the new single-serving bottles, which will usually retail between $1.99 and $2.49, will be introduced nationwide. In addition to opening up new distribution opportunities, the attractive packaging will be sold nationally in all outlets where Arbor Mist is currently stocked, including convenience stores, major grocery stores, chains and liquor stores. Before introducing the new packaging, Arbor Mist conducted extensive testing to develop a product that not only looks great, but also maintains the product's great taste. "We spent more than two years conducting shelf stability tests and consumer research to make sure that we had the perfect plastic material and package design," said Rob Vlosky. "Our single-serving bottle is lightweight, easy to hold and conveniently sized. In consumer tests, it was very well received and we're excited about the potential for this new bottle in the marketplace." Arbor Mist, known as 'wine with a splash of fruit,' has been popular with consumers since its launch in 1998, and its success has been widely acknowledged by the wine and beverage industry. The brand, which sold more than four million nine-liter cases in 2001, is a four-time Impact Newsletter "Hot Brand" and, for three years in a row, has been named a "Rising Star" by Adams Media. In 1999, Market Watch honored Arbor Mist with "Best New Product Introduction" and Arbor Mist Blackberry Merlot was singled out as the "Best New Wine Product in 2001." Arbor Mist has also won numerous other awards from industry and consumer groups for its unique packaging and delicious, refreshing taste. Canandaigua Wine, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, STZ.B), is the second largest wine company in the world. Canandaigua Wine satisfies millions of consumers nationwide by providing quality wines for the enjoyment of everyday life. Canandaigua Wine produces, markets and sells more than 40 well known brands, including Alice White, Almaden, Arbor Mist, Columbia, Cook’s, Covey Run, Dunnewood, Inglenook, K Cider, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy, 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.