Constellation Forms New Fine Wine And Craft Spirits Unit

Constellation Brands is creating a new dedicated unit to handle its fine wine and craft spirits brands. The company intends the standalone, vertically integrated unit to be the “leader in the fine wine category and among the top portfolios in cult and luxury wine.” Constellation plans to hire an executive leader to oversee the new unit, coordinating brand building, commercial, DTC and hospitality accountability and reporting to Robert Hanson, executive vice president, and president of Constellation’s wine and spirits business.

On the wine side, the portfolio will include Robert Mondavi Winery, The Prisoner Wine Company, Simi Reserve Tier, Ruffino Estates, Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond, To Kalon Vineyard Company, Mount Veeder Winery, and Booker Wines. Its spirits range will include High West, Casa Noble, Mi Campo, Copper & Kings, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, and The Real McCoy. According to Impact Databank, the Robert Mondavi Winery brand was at just over 100,000 cases in the U.S. last year, while The Prisoner (230,000 cases) and High West (130,000 cases) both saw double-digit growth.

The move comes following Constellation’s recent alignment with Southern Glazer’s across 40 states and 70% of its wine and spirits portfolio, up from a partnership of 15 states and 40% of the business previously.

Additionally, Constellation has promoted Jaymie Schoenberg to the newly created role of senior vice president, brand management, Mainstream & Premium Brands. Previously vice president, brand management, Core Wine & Spirits, she will report to Hanson. Meanwhile, Chris Millard has been promoted to senior vice president, Winegrowing and Spirits, after previously serving as vice president and chief winemaker.—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Casa Noble, Constellation, Copper & Kings, High West, Robert Mondavi, The Prisoner

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