Columbia Winery Releases Barbera and Zinfandel from Alder Ridge; New Additions to the David Lake Signature Series.

Business Editors/Food & Wine Writers

WOODINVILLE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2003

Continuing the pioneering spirit of Columbia Winery's founders, Winemaker David Lake has released a small bottling of 2001 Barbera and Zinfandel, making Columbia Winery among the first to produce these varietals in Washington state. These limited production wines from Alder Ridge Vineyard are part of the David Lake Signature Series.

An exclusive release party for the new Barbera and Zinfandel was held at Columbia Winery on February 24th.

"I was curious to see how these Mediterranean varietals would grow in Washington state," said Columbia Winery Winemaker David Lake, who introduced Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Gris to Washington state. "So I began to experiment at Alder Ridge knowing that its sheltered riverside location offered the best growing conditions for these heat-loving grape varieties. I think I've achieved my goal of making an original Washington state wine with these varietals."

Only 500 cases of the 2001 Columbia Winery Alder Ridge Barbera and Zinfandel were produced. With a suggested retail price of $20.00, the wines will be available through Columbia Winery and at exclusive retailers and restaurants in Washington and Oregon.

Columbia Winery, Washington state's first premium winery, has been working with Alder Ridge Vineyard since it was planted in 1997. This site, one of the most significant and extensive in Washington state, overlooks the Columbia River. The location along the river tempers the climate so it tends to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter -- a dream location for producing high quality grapes.

The 2001 Columbia Winery Alder Ridge Barbera and Zinfandel are full-bodied, substantial wines with good underlying natural acidity. The grapes for these wines were planted in 1999 on a bluff that lies just above the broad expanse of the Columbia River. With the release of the 2001 vintage, Alder Ridge joins the long-established eastern Washington vineyards of Red Willow, Otis, Wyckoff and Sagemoor as part of Columbia Winery's exclusive vineyard-designate program. The 2001 Barbera won a gold medal at the 2003 Grand Harvest Awards Competition.

Columbia Winery is a part of Canandaigua Wine Company, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, STZ.B). Canandaigua Wine, the world's second largest wine company, satisfies millions of consumers nationwide by providing quality wines for the enjoyment of everyday life. Canandaigua Wine produces, markets and sells more than 40 well known brands. Leading table wine brands include Alice White, Almaden, Columbia, Covey Run, Dunnewood, Inglenook, Talus and Vendange. Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands, with a broad portfolio of wines, spirits and imported beers. The Company is the largest single-source provider of these products in the United States, and both a major producer and independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom.