Vincor Announces Deal

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Two of the major names in the Canadian wine market struck a deal recently that will see Vincor International represent the Constellation Brands portfolio, currently represented by Churchill Cellars, a premier agency in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Churchill Cellars has represented some of Constellation’s brands in Eastern Canada since 1999.

“This transaction reinforces our leading market position in Canada, simplifies our route to market and strengthens both our domestic and import wine businesses,” said Eric Morham, president, Vincor. “This is a strong strategic fit for Vincor and our portfolio of powerful brands.”

Under terms of the arrangement, the Vincor sales team will assume direct responsibility for the distribution and sale of such iconic wine brands as Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Robert Mondavi Private Selection and Ravenswood, all from the U.S.; Hardys and Banrock Station from Australia; Monkey Bay from New Zealand and a number of other well-known wine and spirit brands.

Churchill Cellars will continue to represent the remainder of its portfolio, including products from Pol Roger, Groupe Patriarche, Cellier des Dauphins, Chateau de Gourgazaud, Peninsula Ridge, Group Freixenet, Robertson and d’sArenberg.

“It has been a wonderful experience to work with the likes of Hardys, Banrock Station and the Mondavi range of products over the years,” said Chris Churchill, president, Churchill Cellars. “Although we will miss them, we now have the opportunity to focus on the brands with which we built the company and which attracted the Hardy Wine Company and subsequently Constellation Brands to us in the first place.”