Zeller v. E. & J. Gallo Winery, et al., and Constellation Brands, Inc., et al.

Welcome to the Zeller v. E. & J. Gallo Winery, et al., and Constellation Brands, Inc., et al. Class Action website

The purpose of this website is to provide a summary of the claims asserted in the Lawsuit described below and the terms of the settlement. Please read this information carefully, as it contains important information about your right to make a claim for payment or to elect not to be included in the class if you are a Settlement Class Member.

In 2010, the French government convicted several French wine producers and distributors for selling, as pinot noir, wine that contained less pinot noir than required by French law. There was nothing wrong with this wine other than it contained less of the pinot noir varietal than required in order to be labeled "pinot noir." The defendants in this case bought wine labeled pinot noir from these French suppliers, receiving in each case official French documentation stating that the wine was pinot noir. The companies believed that the wine they received was pinot noir. There is no way to determine scientifically if the wine did or did not contain the required amount of pinot noir.

The plaintiffs allege that this wine was still mislabeled when it was sold to consumers in the United States. The defendants deny these allegations and contend that if they received any mislabeled wine, they themselves were victims of the convicted French suppliers. Nevertheless, the defendants have agreed to make certain reimbursements to consumers who purchased the wines in question in order to assure customer satisfaction and resolve the claims made in this lawsuit without expending more time and money.

The Court did not decide in favor of the plaintiffs or the defendants. Instead, both sides agreed to a settlement. That way, they avoid the cost of a trial, and qualifying purchasers will get compensation.

This site provides the following information: