Esteemed Sommeliers Showcased at 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival

Esteemed Group of Featured Sommeliers to Showcase Their Talents with Some

of the World’s Most Extraordinary Wines at 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival

The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) has unveiled its lineup of Featured Sommeliers headlining the 25th annual NWWF on January 24-26, 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. With three days of Festival activities, the NWWF will once again feature the world’s top wines, exquisite cuisine and amazing auction lots benefitting local children.

Master Sommelier Scott Turnbull

The NWWF, the signature fundraiser of the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), marks its 25th anniversary, impacting close to 90 of the most effective nonprofit organizations in Collier County. Since the Festival’s inception, 350,000 at-risk and underprivileged children in the local community have been impacted with the critical services and resources they need to excel.

During the Festival, Featured Sommeliers will provide their expertise regarding wine vintage, terroir and styles with Festival patrons, enhancing appreciation for the unique and rare wines that will be tasted at Thursday’s special pre-Festival Vintage Cellar event, Friday night’s exclusive Vintner Dinners in intimate settings throughout Naples and at Saturday’s electrifying Live Auction.

“We are excited to announce our Featured Sommeliers who will pour some of the world’s most extraordinary wines during our 25th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival,” said NCEF Honorary Trustee and 2025 Sommelier Liaison Bruce Nichols. “Each of these professionals is at the top of their field with a depth of knowledge of wines from all regions of the globe. Their participation alongside world-renowned vintners and celebrity chefs will ensure another sensational weekend.”

Master Sommelier Elyse Lambert

The lineup of Featured Sommeliers includes many Master Sommeliers and other top wine professionals who have participated in the NWWF for years as well as several new participants. Their many distinctions include “40 Under40,”the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Wine Program,” judges on Sommeliers Choice Awards, winners at Association De La Sommellerie International, and working at Michelin-starred restaurants with award-winning wine programs.

Here is the complete list of the 2025 NWWF Featured Sommeliers, in alphabetical order:

Danielle Aita of Colgin Cellars in St. Helena, California FEATURED PHOTO

Gillian Ballance, MS of Treasury Wine Estates in Sonoma, California

Pablo Braida, MS of Estate Wine Brokers in Augusta, Georgia

Mark Bright of Saison Winery in Los Gatos, California

Jeremy Broto-Mur, MS of O’ by Claude Le Tohic in Fairfield, California

Jacob Brown of Lazy Bear in San Francisco, California

Andy Chabot of Blackberry Farm in Wall and, Tennessee

Brad Dixon of Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida

Jonathan Eichholz, MS of Aftergold in New York, New York

Erik Elliott, MS of The Salon at Heitz Cellar in St. Helena, California

Logan Griffin of Blackberry Mountain in Wall and, Tennessee

Élyse Lambert, MS of The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal in Montréal, Canada

Jon McCarthy of The Matheson in Healdsburg, California

George Miliotes, MS of Wine Bar George in Orlando, Florida

Amy Mundwiler of Maple Hospitality Group in Chicago, Illinois

Cedric Nicaise of The Noortwyck in New York, New York

Derek Stevenson of Auro in Calistoga, California

Scott Turnbull, MS of Fine+Rare and Vinfolio in Napa, California

Hannah Williams of Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York

Master Sommelier Erik Elliott

Ticket packages for the 25th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival start at $17,500 per couple for a Double Magnum package and $40,000 for two couples to experience a Jeroboam Package. For additional information, please visit: napleswinefestival.com/about-the-festival.

Brad Dixon

Master Sommelier George Miliotes

Hannah Williams

About Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised almost $302 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County.

About Naples Children & Education Foundation
The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted close to 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing 350,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel. NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.

For additional information on the Naples Children & Education Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.