CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference  in this  registration  statement  of our  report  dated  April 8,
1998 included in Canandaigua Brands, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended 
February 28, 1998 and to all references to our firm included in this 
registration statement.



                                             /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Rochester, New York,
  November 9, 1998