Constellation Brands may soon sell off its wine portfolio, according to a March 4 report from Wine Business. Though the beverage giant refused to comment on the claims, multiple signs suggest there’s likely some truth behind the rumors. It’s reported that the Rochester, N.Y.-based company is in negotiations to sell its full lineup of wine brands, splitting them between Delicato Family Wines and Duckhorn, which was recently acquired by private equity firm Butterfly Equity.
While Constellation is known for its work with popular California wineries including Robert Mondavi, Woodbridge, Meiomi, The Prisoner, and New Zealand’s Kim Crawford, the company has recently found more success with its beer brands — particularly, the Mexican import Modelo, which it acquired in 2013. The lager has seen massive growth over the past few years, with its flagship expression, Modelo Especial, surpassing Bud Light as America’s top-selling beer in June 2023.
