STZB Constellation Brands, Inc.(Class B)

Ballast Point, one of the nation’s leading craft breweries today announced it’s opening a tasting room and kitchen in Chicago early next year– its first location in the Midwest. The 12,000-sqft space will house a three-barrel “research and development” brewery, restaurant and a rooftop bar in the city’s Fulton Market District.

The new brewery will serve many of Ballast Point’s iconic beers including its flagship Sculpin IPA, as well as exclusive, limited-edition beers available only at the brewery in Chicago. Known for its unrelenting commitment to quality, unique flavor profiles and a desire to bring great tasting beer to consumers across the country, Ballast Point currently operates six tasting room locations in California including Little Italy in San Diego and Long Beach, and a new brewery and tasting room in Daleville, Va.

“We’re thrilled to bring the San Diego spirit of Ballast Point to such a great beer-drinking city like Chicago,” said Marty Birkel, president of Ballast Point. “The entire team is looking forward to sharing some of our new innovations and passion for great beer and food with Chicagoans.”

In addition to bringing its top-selling beers to the brewery, the restaurant’s menu will also offer a taste of San Diego with some of its most popular dishes from its Southern California brew pubs including Baja-style fish tacos and a house-made pretzel with beer mustard. They’ll also offer more localized fare inspired by Chicago.

About Ballast Point  What started in 1996 as a small group of home brewers who simply wanted to make great beer evolved into the team of adventurers known today as Ballast Point. From bringing a hoppy twist to a porter, or adding four types of malt to its amber ale, to creating the breakthrough gold-medal winning Sculpin IPA, the San Diego-based company is known for adding its own touch and asking if there’s a better way. Now an internationally recognized leader in the craft brewing industry with 7 brewery locations in California and Virginia, the company makes over 50 styles of beer and distributes to 49 states and 17 countries internationally. For more information, visit www.ballastpoint.com.

About Constellation Brands Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) (NYSE:STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company’s beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S. In addition, Constellation is the world leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.

Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, about 40 facilities and approximately 9,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Hilary Cocalis
Hilary@ballastpoint.com