Constellation Brands announces intention to donate winery to RIT

The Widmer Winery in Naples, Ontario County

Photo by Constellation Brands

The Widmer Winery is located on 860 acres of land in Naples.

A recent decision by the leadership of Constellation Brands Inc. may present some new and expanded opportunities for RIT. On Sept. 10, the company announced its intention to donate Widmer Winery, located in Naples, Ontario County, to the university.

Constellation Brands, which is the world’s leading producer of premium wines, plans to vacate the property in 2011 as it consolidates and expands operations at its Canandaigua Winery. Production of Manischewitz, Widmer, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy and Taylor Cellars wines will be relocated from Naples to Canandaigua.

The intended donation of the Widmer Winery and certain vineyards may enhance the learning opportunities associated with RIT’s technology programs, sustainability efforts and the School of Hospitality and Service Management.

“This opportunity is a true public-private partnership and allows RIT to once again work with Constellation Brand, one of our region’s top companies, in advancing educational opportunities to students and the community,” says RIT President Bill Destler.

Most recently, RIT and Constellation were among the collaborating partners in founding the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua, which opened in 2006. Francis Domoy, chair of the School of Hospitality and Service Management, indicates the center “has allowed RIT to build world-class wine and culinary educational programs, and we look forward to finding unique ways to partner again in Naples.”

Jeremy Haefner, RIT’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, believes this proposed gift could lead to the creation of new academic programming particularly suited for sustainable production in the wine industry. “This will be a great opportunity for RIT to evaluate the potential of engaging the wine industry in the emerging green technologies that will define leading edge sustainable production for the 21st century,” he explains. “Entering this space through the generous donation of Constellation Brands provides us with access to a wine laboratory and tremendous industry expertise.”

Constellation Brands expects the transition period for the intended donation of the Widmer property, the expansion of the Canandaigua Winery and the transfer of the wine production to take approximately 18 months.