Fairport, New York, November 17, 1999 -- Canandaigua Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CDB and CDB.B) announced today that it issued £75,000,000 (approximately $121.2 million) aggregate principal amount of 8½% Senior Notes due 2009. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes to repay amounts outstanding under its bank credit facility.

The Senior Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold unless the Senior Notes are registered or an exception from such registration is available under applicable law.

Canandaigua Brands, Inc., headquartered in Fairport, New York, is a leader in the production, marketing and distribution of beverage alcohol products in North American and the United Kingdom. The Company markets more than 180 premier brands, including imported beers, wines, spirits, cider and bottled water, and is a leading drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom.

Canandaigua Brands can be found on the Internet at www.cbrands.com.