Allied Domecq Wines USA Announces Appointment of Nick Goldschmidt as Executive Winemaker.

Business Editors/Food and Beverage Writers

HEALDSBURG, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2003

Confirming the next strategic chapter in the evolving story of

Allied Domecq's fine wine focus

Allied Domecq Wines USA Chief Executive Officer Bill Newlands today announced the appointment of veteran winemaker Nick Goldschmidt as Executive Winemaker for the company's California portfolio of wines. The new appointment completes the company's recent structural changes that clearly focus the organization on producing top quality wines and competing on a global level.

Goldschmidt is considered one of the wine industry's most charismatic and talented winemakers and viticultural experts, with experience spanning three continents. His international career has included winemaking in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina and California (in both the Napa and Sonoma regions). His most recent position was Vice President, Winemaker of Simi Winery. Of the new appointment, CEO Newlands states, "In the last six months, our executive committee has been working diligently to prepare for this new chapter in the evolution of our company as we compete on a global scale. Hiring someone with Nick's credentials further defines the quality commitment of our wines at every price point."

In this newly created position, Goldschmidt's responsibilities will include working closely with the Allied Domecq Operations Team comprised of Vineyard Operations, Grower Relations, Winemaking, Asset Materials and Information Management. Goldschmidt will focus on three main objectives: raising the bar on wine quality throughout the company's portfolio domestically, solidifying an already strong track record with trade and media gatekeepers throughout the Allied Domecq Wines portfolio and working in tandem with Allied Domecq's sister wineries worldwide in Spain, New Zealand, Portugal, France and Argentina. The aim is to ensure that the wines marketed in the United States are reflective of their appellation of origin and that they are of the highest caliber. "What excites me the most about this opportunity is the 100% commitment to wine quality at all price levels coming from the top at Allied Domecq. My experience working in several major world wine regions will contribute to the new team and help provide an opportunity for us to be on the forefront of winemaking and viticultural technology," states Goldschmidt. "I see this as a natural progression of my career, moving from a single winery to a position with multi winery responsibilities. Being in my fourteenth year at Simi, there were few positions in the industry that grabbed my attention. This will be a 'bloody' good opportunity."

Chief Operating Officer Jim DeBonis commented, "Hiring Nick Goldschmidt is a major step in achieving our winemaking goals and strategic direction. We have created a central organization that empowers people and maximizes the resources needed to make superior wines. Local teams will breathe individuality and personality into each winery, ensuring quality wines and defining a sense of place from the vineyard to the bottle." Each winery team will have all the skill sets represented and will be comprised of a Vice President of Operations, Vice President Winemaker, Vineyard Manager, Grower Relations Manager, Finance Controller and Human Resource Manager. This group of wine industry professionals will band together and focus on making great wines, a true esprit de corps.

Allied Domecq Wines USA is a fine wine division of Allied Domecq PLC. Our California portfolio consists of Clos du Bois, Callaway Coastal, Buena Vista Winery, Atlas Peak Vineyards, Mumm Cuvee Napa, William Hill Winery and Haywood Estate. Allied Domecq Wines USA also manages the US marketing, sales and distribution for Perrier Jouet and Mumm Champagne of France, Cockburn's Port from Portugal, Domecq and Harvey's Sherry from Spain, Bodegas Balbi from Argentina, Brancott Vineyards from New Zealand, and Marques de Arienzo and Bodegas y Bebidas wines from Spain.

To arrange for in person or phone interviews with either Nick Goldschmidt or Jim DeBonis, please contact Kimberly Charles at Magnet Communications at 415/345-6472.