Excitement Builds for the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction

Excitement Builds for the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction
with Unveiling of Additional Wine, Culinary and Travel Experiences

The list of world-class auction lots includes a 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible paired with a VIP driving experience in Miami; an eight-night luxurious private voyage along the Greek islands aboard the 164’ Axa private charter yacht courtesy of Knights Bridge Winery; a “Million Dollar Night of Country” with a private dinner and concert with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Thomas Rhett; and a nine-night indulgent African expedition with Belmond

The array of incredible wine, culinary and travel experiences offered at the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival continues to grow with the release of additional live auction lots, including a five-night picturesque retreat in Bordeaux, plus a three-night curated Napa Valley immersion; a luxurious Western adventure with Staglin Family Vineyard and Brush Creek Ranch; a curated wine adventure with private tastings in Oregon’s Dundee Hills with Domaine Serene; and a five-night ultimate epicurean experience in Spain’s Basque Country.

With the theme “Picture This,” the Naples Winter Wine Festival returns to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón for its 26 th anniversary on January 30, 2026 through February 1, 2026, showcasing the very best wines, exquisite cuisine and impressive auction lots, all to benefit the most vulnerable children in Collier County. It is one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, raising more than $336 million and impacting the lives of 385,000 children since its inception in 2001.

“These live auction lots combine some of the world’s most exciting travel destinations with truly unique culinary and wine experiences featuring top chefs and vintners,” said Adam Gerry, 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival Co-Chair and Auction Lot Committee Member. “All of the proceeds raised under the tent during the live auction will benefit children and families in Collier County, which is crucial as the need for essential children’s services continues to grow in our community.”

Auction lot highlights include:
“A Tale of Two Wine Worlds: France and California”: Two couples will experience a five-night picturesque retreat in Bordeaux, plus a three-night curated Napa Valley immersion. The journey begins in Bordeaux with three nights in Prestige Rooms at Les Sources de Caudalie. Guests will enjoy exclusive culinary experiences, including a private “Caviar from Sea to Soil” guided tour of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate, including a tasting accompanied by Sturia house caviar; lunch with Château Smith Haut Lafitte Proprietors Florence and Daniel Cathiard in their home, followed by a blind tasting with Winemaker Fabien Teitgen; and a multi-course discovery menu dinner at Two Michelin-starred La Grand’Vigne. Guests also will receive one half-day Signature Caudalie Ritual spa treatment per person, daily breakfast at Les Sources de Caudalie, and concierge service to assist with visits and wine tastings in the area, including a visit to a First Growth. Then, it’s off to Cap Ferret for two nights at Lodge SHL Cap-Ferret, Florence and Daniel Cathiard’s private waterfront home in Canon Village. Lodge SHL Cap-Ferret features over 4,800 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms with Queen beds and ensuites, a fully equipped kitchen, heated outdoor pool, landscaped garden and beautiful lakefront views. Winners will choose between a full-day or half-day pinasse boat outing, including light bites and select wine. The two couples will then travel to California for three nights in Treeline Suites at Meadowood Napa Valley. During their stay, guests will enjoy a private VIP tour and tasting at Cathiard Vineyard hosted by either Hospitality Manager Candice Bernard Cathiard or Winemaker Justine Labbé and a private multi-course dinner at the Cathiard private home hosted by Justine Labbé and served with wines. Concierge service will be provided to assist with itinerary and winery visits. To remember their trip, the group will receive two 1.5 Liter 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, signed by Proprietors Florence and Daniel Cathiard, and two 1.5 Liter 2020 Cathiard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon inaugural vintage, signed by Proprietors Florence and Daniel Cathiard.

“Brush Creek Ranch Bound with Staglin Family Vineyard”: Two couples will travel on a five-night luxurious Western adventure with Staglin Family Vineyard and Brush Creek Ranch. The trip starts in Boulder, where the couples will spend one night at St Julien Hotel & Spa with a multi-course, wine-paired dinner at Michelin-starred Frasca Food and Wine hosted by Staglin Family Vineyards Proprietors Shari and Garen Staglin. Then, it’s off to Saratoga, Wyoming, for four nights in King Lodge Rooms at the Five-star Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch. During their stay, the couples will enjoy a private cowboy hat fitting and branding; an exclusive tour of the 30,000-acre estate in an all-terrain Polaris Ranger vehicle; a horseback trail ride through the terrain; and choice of a fly-fishing adventure with an Orvis-endorsed guide; a scenic river float along the North Platte River; or a private wine tasting experience. Guests also will take part in a private pasta cooking class at The Farm at Brush Creek, prepared with fresh-picked ingredients and paired with Stagliano Sangiovese and a tour of the Medicine Bow Creamery. They also will enjoy a special dinner planned by the Staglins at Cheyenne Club, paired with library wines from the Staglin family cellar. Two inclusive activities and three meals are included daily. The winning couples will each receive a vertical collection of Staglin Family Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in Magnums (one each from 2014, 2015 and 2017).

“Eight Knights on a Grand Greek Odyssey”: Four couples will journey on an eight-night luxurious private yacht voyage along the Greek islands courtesy of Knights Bridge Winery from either Friday, July 10, 2026 to Saturday, July 18, 2026 or Saturday, July 18, 2026 to Sunday, July 26, 2026. Guests will enjoy one night’s accommodation at a luxury hotel in either Corfu or Zakynthos based on dates of travel and then a seven-night journey aboard the 164’ Axa private charter yacht. A carefully curated itinerary includes stops in locations such as Corfu, Parga, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Kastos, Ithaki, Paralia Atheras, Argostoli, Keri, Preveza and Zakynthos, featuring the very best in culture, food and wine. Axa features six staterooms with two King beds and four Queen beds, a 26’ tender, Jacuzzi, gym and sauna, an assortment of water toys, plus an experienced crew of 12 to attend to the guests’ every need. The couples will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner through the duration of the stay, prepared by the onboard private chef. Also, depending upon the dates of travel, the couples will travel either One-way, Private Air from New York, New York or Boston, Massachusetts to Corfu, Greece or from Corfu, Greece to New York, New York or Boston, Massachusetts on a Citation Longitude; and One-way, Business Class Airfare from New York, New York or Boston, Massachusetts to Zakynthos, Greece or from Zakynthos, Greece to New York, New York or Boston, Massachusetts. The couples also will share a collection of fine wines, including one 6 Liter 2022 Knights Bridge Draco Dormiere; four 1.5 Liter 2022 Knights Bridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; four 1.5 Liter 2022 Knights Bridge Linville Cabernet Sauvignon; four 1.5 Liter 2023 Knights Bridge Haggerty Road Red Blend; four 1.5 Liter 2023 Knights Bridge Kelley Chardonnay; and four 1.5 Liter 2024 Knights Bridge Fairview Sauvignon Blanc.

 “Grace and Grandeur with Domaine Serene”: Two couples will travel on a five-night wine adventure in Oregon’s renowned Dundee Hills. Guests will fly Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare from any major U.S. city to Portland, Oregon, where they will spend five nights at the private guest house at the Domaine Serene Winery Hill House. During their stay, they will enjoy a garden tour followed by a private multi-course dinner hosted by Proprietor and NCF Emeritus Trustee Grace Evenstad in her home and served with wines from Grace and her late husband Ken’s cellar. The couples also will enjoy a private seated tasting of Domaine Serene and Château de la Crée’s wines conducted by sommeliers in the Domaine Serene Clubhouse; a private library wine tasting at Domaine Serene Wine Lounge Portland; a multi-course chef’s pairing dinner at Domaine Serene Wine Lounge Lake Oswego; and a private VIP tour of the Domaine Serene estate, including a blending session with the winemaker. One deep-sea fishing excursion off the Oregon Coast also is included. The two couples will share a collection of rare wines, including one 9 Liter 2015 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir; one 5 Liter 2013 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir; and 12 750ml assorted bottles of library and new release wines under the Domaine Serene, Maison Evenstad and Château de la Crée labels.

“Luxury and Wildlife on the African Savannahs”: Two couples will travel on a nine-night indulgent African expedition with Belmond. The journey begins with Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare from any major U.S. city to Cape Town, South Africa, where guests will enjoy three nights in Junior Suites at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. During their stay, they will enjoy a three-course dinner at Amura by Ángel León; a full-day private pool cabana experience and a full-day open-top Jeep Constantia winelands tour. The couples will then travel Roundtrip, Highest Class Airfare from Cape Town, South Africa, to Maun, Botswana, for three nights in Luxury Tented Rooms at Eagle Island Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana. Inclusive activities will include twice-daily game drives, seasonal boating, fishing, mokoro water tour, bird watching and star-gazing. Then, the couples will enjoy three nights’ accommodations in Luxury Tented Rooms at Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana. While there, they will experience a private remote pop-up dinner by helicopter along with inclusive activities like twice-daily game drives, bird watching, San Bushman rock art hike, visit to the baobab grove, boma and star-gazing. All-inclusive meals and select wines, alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages are included during the couples’ stays in Botswana.

 “Million Dollar Night of Country with Thomas Rhett”: Bidders will have the opportunity to be one of just 40 couples who will contribute $25,000 each to indulge in an exclusive evening event in November 2026 featuring Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Thomas Rhett. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, multi-Platinum artist Thomas Rhett has spent just over 10 years gathering 24 Number One singles, 16 billion streams and armfuls of awards – including the 2020 ACM Award for “Entertainer of the Year.” The special gathering will be held at the Naples Jet Center in Naples, Florida, and will include a cocktail reception followed by a delicious meal served with fine wines.

“The Best of Vega Sicilia and Spain’s Basque Country”: Two couples will indulge in a five-night ultimate epicurean experience in Spain. The trip begins in Valbuena de Duero, Spain with three nights’ accommodations in Junior Suites at the Five-star Gareus Hotel. During their stay, guests will enjoy a private VIP tour, tasting and multi-course lunch at Vega Sicilia; a multi-course wine-paired lunch at Michelin-starred Asador Etxebarri; and a multi-course wine-paired dinner at Three Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca. The couples will then travel to Bilbao, Spain for two nights’ accommodations in Marina Suites at the Five-star Palacio Arriluce Hotel. Experiences there include a half-day visit to Torre Loizaga and the exclusive Rolls-Royce collection and a half-day private wine tasting at Marqués de Riscal City of Wine in Rioja. Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare from any major city in the contiguous United States to Spain is included. This lot also includes a unique vertical collection of five 1.5 Liter Vega Sicilia Unico (one each: 1970, 1981, 1991, 2004 and 2010).

“The Sun-Drenched Paradise of Puglia with Black Book Villas”: Four couples will experience seven nights of indulgent villa luxury and Southern Italian allure with Black Book Villas in Puglia, Italy. Guests will travel to Villa Dusenszky Vitale by Black Book Villas for a week-long stay. This magnificent villa features more than 18,000 square feet of luxurious living space spread over four connected buildings, nine elegant bedrooms, fifteen bathrooms, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, hammam and spa, multiple kitchens and a tennis court, plus 23 hectares (57 acres) of land, including beautiful gardens and olive groves. During their stay, the couples will experience an in-villa folkloristic music and local pizzica dance, in-villa mozzarella demonstration and aperitivo, a cooking class, a degustation experience at Terre di San Vito Estate, complimentary dinner at a local trattoria and the option to travel in September 2026 to experience the vineyard harvest. Daily housekeeping, chef and waiter, and luxury concierge service are all included.

 “Vanquish Velocity: Waves and Wheels”: One lucky couple will take home a brand new 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible with an Iridescent Sapphire exterior and Glacier White leather interior color, highlighted with Gloss Black carbon fiber and Pale Blue contrast stitching. In addition to this incredible vehicle, the winning couple will enjoy a one-night VIP driving experience in Miami, including one night’s accommodation in an Ocean Bungalow at the Five-star Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside; a four-hour driving experience at The Concours Club, followed by a multi-course wine-paired meal at Verge, helmed by award-winning Chef Brad Kilgore; and one multi-course wine-paired tasting menu dinner at Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club.

“Our team has worked closely with our generous donors and loyal supporters in curating some really amazing wine, food and travel experiences for this year’s live auction,” said Nena Beynon, 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival Co-Chair and Auction Lot Committee Member. “We anticipate that these one-of-a-kind experiences will encourage Festival attendees to bid high and bid often.”

Ticket packages for the 2026 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 and related Festival news, please visit: napleswinefestival.com/about-the-festival.

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 more than $336 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County.

About Naples Children Foundation
The Naples Children Foundation (NCF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, creates transformational change and improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCF has impacted nearly 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing 385,000 children with the services and resources they need to succeed. Through bold investments, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solutions, NCF supports programs that ensure every child can thrive. NCF’s unique approach, which bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community–one issue at a time.

NCF

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