ALICE WHITE FAN STEPS INTO ALICE ’S BOOTS
Amateur Writer Wins $1,000 in National Writing Contest

June 30, 2005 - Last winter, in celebration of its 10th vintage, Alice White launched a national “Invite To Write” creative writing contest, calling on fans of the popular Australian wine brand to pen Alice 's next adventure. The contest offered consumers the chance to win $1,000 and see their story printed on the back label of the 2005 release of Alice White wines.

Once all entries had been evaluated, the skillful prose of Anne Coventry stood out from the pack, perfectly capturing the tone and adventure of Alice White's eponymous heroine. Her winning submission was judged on creativity, style and consistency with the existing Alice White back label story. Ms. Coventry took her assignment seriously, asking herself, “If I were in the bush suffering from amnesia, how would I react, and what would I think about this stranger sitting across from me at the campfire?” True to prior back label stories, Anne left her audience guessing at the end, with an enticing cliffhanger.

Ms. Coventry, eagerly awaiting the release of the 2005 vintage when she will see her story in print, has planned an Alice White party with friends and family to celebrate. “The $1,000 prize is fantastic," she said. "I think my family is worried that I’ll spend it all on cases of Alice White!”

The contest offered up a dramatic twist that is characteristic of this exciting brand. A real Alice White submitted a back label story, though she hails from Kansas rather than the Australian outback. Alice , a runner-up in the “Invite To Write Contest,” has been an evangelist for Alice White wines since her 21st birthday, when a family member sent her four bottles.

“The on-going legend of Alice White has really caught on with consumers,” said Tim Peters, Brand Manager for Alice White. “The release of our tenth vintage – the 2005 vintage – seemed like the perfect time to let Alice ’s fans decide the twists and turns of her next adventure for themselves. We're excited by the enthusiastic response to our contest and want to thank everyone who participated.”

So what will happen to Alice White next? The 2005 vintage – with the next chapter of Alice 's adventure chronicled on the back labels – is due out this Fall. Stay tuned.

Alice White offers critically acclaimed and consistent "best-buy" choices in seven popular Australian varietals: Chardonnay, Shiraz , Merlot, Cabernet-Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon-Chardonnay and Lexia.

Alice White is imported by Canandaigua Wine Company, the popular-priced and premium wine producer of Constellation Wines U.S., which is part of Constellation Wines, the world’s largest wine business, an operating division of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) ("CBI"). Constellation Wines U.S. encompasses three of CBI's U.S. wine businesses: Canandaigua Wine Company, Pacific Wine Partners, and North Lake Wines. Leading brands include Arbor Mist, Cook’s, Covey Run, Inglenook, Talus Collection and Vendange.

 

Contact Information:
Laura Shear, Balzac Communications 707-255-7667