For the first time, the high-profile independent wine, beer & spirits shop, Amanti Vino, will release a private label wine to mark its 10th anniversary in business.

Artists of all ages are invited to design labels for the wine, which will be called "Cuvée Rufus," in honor of the store's mascot, proprietor Sharon Sevrens' gentle yellow Labrador retriever. "Rufus is the familiar face that's greeted clients since we opened in October 2005," says Sevrens. "So it's only fitting that his likeness and/or name be used for our first-ever private label wine."

Amanti Vino has partnered with the Montclair Art Museum to present the design competition, which will be judged by a panel of art world professionals. A selection of submissions will be exhibited at the museum in the fall, when Cuvée Rufus will be released at an exciting release party.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Montclair Art Museum, opening the competition up to students in their renowned Yard School of Art, as well as to the community at large. We cannot wait to see the submission s!" Sevrens adds.

Four winners will be chosen, one from each of four categories: ages 5-8, 9-12, 13-18 and 19 & over. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 31, 2015, and winners will be announced by April 30, 2015.

A percentage of proceeds from sales of Cuvée Rufus will be donated to Intensive Therapeutics Inc. and to help support exhibitions & educational programs at the Montclair Art Museum.

Link to NEW Amanti Vino website here!

Download Amanti Vino's 10th Anniversary Wine Label Design Contest application form.