This spring, consumers can support arts education programs in America’s K-12 schools as they enjoy one of America’s fastest growing Italian wines, KRIS Pinot Grigio. As part of its "Art of Education" program from March through June, KRIS will donate 25 cents of each bottle sold for a total of $25,000 to national and local organizations committed to improving academic achievement through quality arts education.

KRIS will work with its national partner, Americans for the Arts, as well as several regional partners to channel its donation to schools around the country. Regional partners include Arts Horizons in New Jersey, Arts Learning of Massachusetts, Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education, and The Center for Arts Education in New York City. Donations nationwide will help implement programs that engage students in hands-on arts education activities, including workshops with teaching artists, educational trips to local art institutions, and integrated arts curricula.

"The benefits of arts education are well documented and far-reaching. Children who engage in arts programs are proven to be more literate, exhibit better school attendance, and achieve higher grades in all subjects," said Robert L. Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "We are grateful to have a partner such as KRIS Wine that understands the important role art plays in our lives and the welfare of our communities."

KRIS winemaker and seven-time Gambero Rosso "Tre Bicchieri" award winner, Franz Haas, is passionate about the arts. Haas not only considers winemaking an art in itself, but also brings art to the exterior of his wines with labels designed by Italian artist and long-time family friend, Riccardo Schweizer (1925-2004). Schweizer, who studied under Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, showcases his modern, expressive style in the unique and timeless KRIS labels.

"We are very excited to support the advancement of arts education programs for young people," said Haas. "As our family has created hand-crafted wines for seven generations, we understand and appreciate the importance of artistic production in determining the ultimate character of our wines."

Awareness for KRIS Wine’s "Art of Education" program will be generated through bottle neck tags, free on-bottle artist-designed magnets, shelf talkers and header cards at wine retail locations around the country. For more information, visit www.kriswine.com.