FAIRPORT, N.Y., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Standard & Poor's division of The McGraw-Hill Companies announced yesterday that Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, ASX: CBR) will be added to its S&P 500 Index of companies after the close of trading on Friday, July 1, 2005.

"On behalf of the 8,000 dedicated Constellation Brands employees around the world, we are delighted and honored to achieve this significant milestone, which is testimony to our true growth strategy and the increased shareholder value that has been created in recent years," said Richard Sands, Constellation Brands chairman and chief executive officer. "Attaining a place on the S&P 500 Index is validation of our growth focus and entrepreneurial structure, in addition to our organization's culture, values and character. I am proud to be associated with such a fine team of people."

The S&P 500 Index committee uses specific qualitative and quantitative performance criterion to evaluate potential companies for inclusion in the index. Additional information about the S&P 500 Index, as well as its announcement about adding Constellation Brands to the index, can be found at the S&P Website: http://www.standardandpoors.com.

Constellation Brands was founded 60 years ago as Canandaigua Industries in the Finger Lakes wine growing region of western New York. As one of the leading beverage alcohol companies in the world today, Constellation Brands is also the largest wine producer in the world, with a broad portfolio across the wine, spirits and imported beers categories. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Corona Extra, Corona Light, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, St. Pauli Girl, Tsingtao, Black Velvet, Fleischmann's, Mr. Boston, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy, Chi-Chi's, 99 Schnapps, Ridgemont Reserve 1792, Effen Vodka, Stowells, Blackthorn, Almaden, Arbor Mist, Vendange, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Nobilo, Alice White, Ruffino, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Estancia, Franciscan Oakville Estate, Simi and Robert Mondavi Winery Brands. For additional information about Constellation Brands, as well as its product portfolio, visit the company's Web site at http://www.cbrands.com.

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