-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
Originator-Key-Asymmetric:
 MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen
 TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB
MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
 Hvzo18mLzRFPTVzf0m4y2QK7go4XAQIBh05oE3OIHewjooFfORZzzhDE88NptSFb
 ejXFhRcShIflhNmq2j74rQ==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000016918-04-000020.txt : 20040408
<SEC-HEADER>0000016918-04-000020.hdr.sgml : 20040408
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20040408195656
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000016918-04-000020
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	4
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20040406
FILED AS OF DATE:		20040408

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			CONSTELLATION BRANDS INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000016918
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	BEVERAGES [2080]
		IRS NUMBER:				160716709
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0228

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		300 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK
		CITY:			FAIRPORT
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			14450
		BUSINESS PHONE:		5852183600

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		300 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK
		CITY:			FAIRPORT
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			14450

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	CANANDAIGUA BRANDS INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19970902

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	CANANDAIGUA WINE CO INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19920703

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			SANDS ROBERT
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001245564

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-08495
		FILM NUMBER:		04725970

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O CONSTELLATION BRANDS INC
		STREET 2:		300 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK
		CITY:			FAIRPORT
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			14450
		BUSINESS PHONE:		5852183600

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.
		STREET 2:		300 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK
		CITY:			FAIRPORT
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			14450
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>edgar.xml
<DESCRIPTION>PRIMARY DOCUMENT
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0201</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2004-04-06</periodOfReport>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000016918</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>CONSTELLATION BRANDS INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>STZ/STZ.B</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001245564</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>SANDS ROBERT</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>300 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>FAIRPORT</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>NY</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>14450</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>1</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
            <officerTitle>President &amp; COO</officerTitle>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2004-02-06</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>5</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>G</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>2000</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>D</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>263906</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value></value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>235804</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>by Partnership</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>384</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>by Partnership</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>709430</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>Remainder Interest</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>723906</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>Remainder Interest by Partnership</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                    <footnoteId id="F5"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>14396</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F6"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>by Spouse</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>40464</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F6"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By spouse as custodian for daughter (UGMA)</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>36900</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F6"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By spouse as custodian for son (UGMA)</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <derivativeTable>
        <derivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Non-Qualified Stock Option (Right to Buy)</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <value>33.26</value>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2004-04-06</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>A</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>95900</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <exerciseDate>
                <value>2008-04-06</value>
                <footnoteId id="F7"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <value>2014-04-06</value>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Class A Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>95900</value>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>95900</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value></value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeTransaction>
    </derivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">Except to the extent that the reporting person has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in securities owned by the applicable trust, partnership or limited liability company, the reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to securities held in this manner.  This report shall not be deemed an admission that the reporting person is the beneficial owner of such securities for the purposes of Section 16 or any other purpose.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">Held by CWC Partnership I, a general partnership of which the reporting person is a managing partner and in which he has a pecuniary interest.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">Held by M, L, R &amp; R (&quot;MLR&amp;R&quot;), a general partnership of which the reporting person is a general partner and in which he has a pecuniary interest.  The reporting person is a beneficiary and trustee of The Marvin Sands Master Trust, which is also a partner in MLR&amp;R.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F4">Remainder interest after the life estate of Marilyn Sands.  The life estate terminates on the earlier of (i) 20 years from its commencement (11/13/87) or (ii) Mrs. Sands' death.  Marilyn Sands' interest includes the right to receive income from and the power to vote and dispose of the shares subject to the vested beneficial interest of the remaindermen.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F5">Held by CWC Partnership II, a general partnership of which the reporting person is a trustee of the managing partner and in which he has a pecuniary interest.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F6">The reporting person disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to securities held in this manner, and this report shall not be deemed an admission that the reporting person is the beneficial owner of such securities for the purposes of Section 16 or any other purpose.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F7">This option becomes exercisable prior to the date specified as follows: (i) 25% will become exercisable after the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock has been at least $38.25 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days: (ii) an additional 25% will become exercisable after such fair market value has been at least $43.99 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days; and (iii) the remaining 50% will become exercisable after such fair market value has been at least $50.59 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <remarks></remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Robert Sands</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2004-04-08</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>

</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
