Brown-Forman to Consolidate Wine Marketing Operations at Its Louisville Headquarters.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Brown-Forman (NYSE:BFB) Beverages announced today that it is consolidating its wine marketing functions in Louisville. David Dearie, president of Brown-Forman Wines, stated, "We are constantly striving to improve our organization to best meet the needs of our consumers and maximize our brand building opportunities. An important part of this evolution is our decision to create a center for wine brand building excellence based here at Brown-Forman's corporate headquarters in Louisville, where we have excellent support infrastructure, including direct access to hundreds of talented people."

Because of the decision to consolidate its wine marketing functions in Louisville, Brown-Forman Beverages will reduce the size of its staff at its San Rafael, California, office, resulting in the layoff of four people. All affected employees will receive transition assistance.

Brown-Forman Wines will maintain a strong presence in California with vineyards and wine-making operations in Mendocino, Sonoma and San Luis Obispo counties.

Brown-Forman Wines is a division of Brown-Forman, Louisville, Ky. It markets Korbel Champagnes Fetzer Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer, Bonterra Vineyards, Mariah and Jekel Vineyards California wines; Bolla and Fontana Candida Italian wines; and Michel Picard Wines from France.