Vancouver , British Columbia, April 3, 2008 – Vincor Canada (a Constellation Company), the largest Canadian producer and marketer of wine and related products, today acquired the business of Medallion Wine Marketing, Inc., its affiliated company in Western Canada. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“This transaction reinforces our leading market position in Canada, strengthens our route-to-market and bolsters both our domestic and import wine businesses,” said Jay Wright, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vincor Canada. “Given our solid understanding and working knowledge of the acquired business, it is a strong strategic fit for Vincor Canada. This will enhance our customer relationships in Western Canada, and leverage the full breadth of our more diversified product portfolio.”

As a result of the acquisition, Vincor Canada will assume direct responsibility for the distribution and sale in Western Canada of the wines of its affiliated companies, including such iconic and well-known wine brands as Robert Mondavi from the United States, Hardys from Australia and Nobilo from New Zealand. Additionally, Vincor will become the western distributor for its sister company, Constellation Spirits, featuring such recognizable spirits brands as Golden Wedding, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and Effen Vodka. 

Additionally, Vincor Canada will become the distributor for both the prestigious Quails’ Gate and CedarCreek VQA estate wineries from the Okanagan in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Quails’ Gate Estate Winery remains owned and operated by the Stewart family. CedarCreek Estate Winery remains owned and operated by the Fitzpatrick family.  

“With the addition of the Medallion business, our expanded sales team will continue to serve as the sales agent for the Mott's and Freixenet portfolios in Western Canada as we continue to work through the transition,” said Mr. Wright. “We look forward to continuing the development of these great brands.”

About Medallion Wine Marketing

 

Medallion was created in January 1996 to market and distribute quality wines and spirits of international suppliers in Western Canada, handling wines and other products from Australia, New Zealand, California, and Canada, including VQA wines from British Columbia.

About Vincor Canada

 

Vincor Canada, a Constellation Company, has a history that dates back to 1874, and has grown to become Canada's largest producer and marketer of wines. Its founding vision has been to further the reputation and sales of Canadian wines in the premium, super-premium and ultra-premium categories, not simply at home but, as importantly, in the international marketplace.

With an emphasis on quality grapes, the company has worked consistently to develop vineyards with the most sophisticated viticultural technologies, not to mention research capabilities. Vincor Canada's land holdings in Canada's largest wine growing regions, the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia and the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, are dedicated almost exclusively to the production of European vitis vinifera. Vincor Canada also works with a large group of talented high quality grape growers and viticultural experts to draw the best from their vines.

   

Well known brands from the Vincor Canada portfolio include Inniskillin Wines, Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, See Ya Later Ranch, Naked Grape, Sawmill Creek, President Sparkling, Nk'Mip Cellars and Osoyoos Larose, the latter two of which are joint ventures between Vincor Canada and the Osoyoos Indian Band in the Okanagan Valley and Groupe Taillan in Bordeaux, France, respectively.