(Wines&Vines) - Since 1883, the Wente family has been making wine in the Livermore Valley east of San Francisco. To mark the 130th anniversary, the family formally established the Wente Foundation for Arts Education (WFAE), which will be headed by fifth-generation winegrower Christine Wente.

Winemaker Karl Wente, Christine’s brother, created a limited-edition 2011 vintage red blend to help fund the foundation. “The Art of Giving” wine will be sold only direct-to-consumer through the Wente Vineyards’ wine club, tasting room and at numerous events planned throughout the year to support WFAE. All proceeds from the $100 bottles will be donated to the foundation.

Prior to the official announcement, Christine Wente spoke with Wines & Vines about the foundation and the family’s goals for it. Still family owned and operated, Wente produces 750,000 cases per year of wines from its vineyards in the Livermore Valley and Monterey County, with distribution in more than 70 countries around the world