FAIRPORT, N.Y., Mar 27, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) announced today that the Supreme Court of South Australia approved Constellation's acquisition of BRL Hardy Limited (ASX: BRL). The transaction is expected to close April 9, 2003.

BRL Hardy shares ceased trading on the Australian Stock Exchange at 3:30 p.m. on March 27, 2003 (Adelaide time). BRL Hardy shareholders have until 5:00 p.m. (Adelaide time) on April 4, 2003 to make an election as to the form of consideration for their shares. BRL Hardy shareholders may elect all cash, Constellation stock, or a combination thereof.

BRL Hardy shareholders with questions about the election process should review Constellation's press release dated March 25, 2003, and can contact Computershare Investor Services, Constellation's Australian shareholder registry, by calling 1-800-030-606 toll free within Australia or 61-3-9611- 5711 outside Australia.

The implementation date for the transaction is expected to occur on April 9, 2003, with payment or holding statements to be sent to shareholders and optionholders no later than April 16, 2003.

About Constellation

Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands, with a broad portfolio of wine, spirits and imported beer. The Company is the largest single-source supplier of these products in the United States, and both a major producer and independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Corona Extra, Pacifico, St. Pauli Girl, Black Velvet, Fleischmann's, Estancia, Simi, Ravenswood, Blackstone, Banrock Station, Alice White, Talus, Vendange, Almaden, Arbor Mist, Stowells of Chelsea and Blackthorn.

About BRL Hardy

BRL Hardy Limited is a leading Australian producer and exporter of wine, with products sourced from Australia, New Zealand and France. The company's wines are distributed worldwide through a network of sales and marketing operations, with the majority of sales generated in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Major export brands include: Hardys Stamp of Australia, Hardys Nottage Hill, Hardys VR and Banrock Station. Other domestic and international brands include: Houghton, Nobilo, Leasingham, Moondah Brook, Yarra Burn, Stonehaven, Stanley and Renmano.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements set forth in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

CONTACT:
Investor Relations, Emilio Ruocco, +1-585-218-3667, Mark
Maring, +1-585-218-3668, or Public Relations, Ginny Clark, +1-585-218-3669,
all of Constellation Brands, Inc.

URL: http://www.cbrands.com
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