Constellation to close Widmer Winery in Naples

Victor, N.Y. — Constellation Brands, Inc. this afternoon announced it will close Widmer Winery in 2011 as part of an expansion plan that includes moving the production of Manischewitz, Widmer, Paul Masson and Taylor wines from Widmer to Canandaigua. The company will donate its Naples property to Rochester Institute of Technology for possible use "for sustainable wine education."

Employees at both the Widmer Winery and the Canandaigua Winery were informed of the closing and relocation earlier today. There will likely be employment opportunities at the Canandaigua winery for many of the Widmer employees, according to the company. The transition plans and staffing needs will be finalized and communicated to employees "over the next few months," according to a statement released today.

"We are pleased to make this investment in the Canandaigua Winery to increase its production capacity and improve operational efficiencies," stated Rob Sands, chief executive officer of Constellation Brands.

According to the company, the transition period for the intended donation of the Widmer property, the expansion of the Canandaigua Winery and the transfer of the wine production is expected to take approximately 18 months. Constellation and RIT are currently in the process of finalizing plans and "developing a transition program to ensure a smooth transfer of the property with as little impact as possible to the employees and the community," the company said.

"While this investment is right for our business," Sands said, "it was also important to us that we find the right opportunity for the future of Widmer Winery. RIT has a long-standing commitment to enhancing the local community and is looking at the property for possible use for sustainable wine education to benefit the wine industry, the community and the college."