VICTOR, N.Y., May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, ASX: CBR), the world's leading wine company, announced today that it will make a significant donation to the Levantandi Chile Fund which will benefit residents in the wine-producing areas of Chile hardest hit by the Feb. 27, 2010 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The fund was recently established to provide support to vineyard workers to rebuild their lives, homes and livelihoods. Constellation is also encouraging the support of beverage alcohol companies to provide assistance to the devastated areas through its leadership with the Federation Internationale des Vins et Spiritueux (FIVS).

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"Chile is an important wine producing region and the effects of this natural disaster have had a major impact on the country's economy. Assisting where help is needed is key for aiding the recovery and we hope that our colleagues in the industry will join us in our efforts," said Jim Finkle, senior vice president of external affairs for Constellation, and president of FIVS. "Monetary donations are just one way that Constellation gives back to its communities through its corporate social responsibility program and provides opportunities to collaborate with the industry to make an even greater impact."

The Levantandi Chile Fund was established by NESsT, a nonprofit organization founded in Chile in 1999, and the Wines of Chile (WoC), the Chilean wine industry trade association, that is committed to promoting Chilean wines around the world. NESsT and WoC will channel funds to on-the ground Chilean organizations working in the earthquake damaged communities.

FIVS is a worldwide trade federation dedicated to representing the interests of all sectors of the global alcohol beverage industry, including wine, spirits, and beer. It focuses on public policy challenges facing the industry. FIVS was founded in July 1951 and is headquartered in Paris, France.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes, and talented employees worldwide. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations at more than 40 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation, visit the company's web site at www.cbrands.com.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.