“In Perfect Harmony” of the Very Best in Wine and Food

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), announced the NWWF will return to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples on February 3-5, 2023. With the theme “In Perfect Harmony,” the festival will showcase the finest wines, exquisite cuisine and incredible auction lots to benefit children in need.

The 23rd annual NWWF comes following the record-breaking event in 2022, and anticipation for another hugely successful festival is already building under the leadership of the 2023 NWWF Co-Chairs Nena and Bill Beynon, Libby and Rick Germain, and Julia and Robert Heidt, Jr.

For 2023, the festival moves to the first weekend of February, which is one week later than usual. This year’s theme “In Perfect Harmony” reflects the amazing ensemble of award-winning chefs and world-renowned vintners who come together each year to deliver a concerto of elegant and exclusive vintner dinners in private homes around Naples followed by the exciting live auction featuring the very best wines and unique experiences to exotic destinations around the globe.“

Plans for the 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival are coming together quickly with everyone working in perfect harmony to present some of the most extraordinary wines, travel packages and one-of-a-kind experiences found nowhere else in the world,” said 2023 NWWF Co-Chair Libby Germain. “We will be staying true to our promise to the community that every dollar raised during our live auction under the big tent will benefit underprivileged and at-risk kids in Collier County.”

The Co-Chairs of the 2023 NWWF bring the perfect combination of professional and philanthropic experience both in Naples and abroad.

Here is some background on this year’s leadership team:

• Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Julia and Robert Heidt, Jr. are active philanthropists through the Heidt Family Foundation and have supported a wide range of initiatives, including St. Vincent DePaul and Cristo Rey School, Bethany House Services, Lindner Hope House, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and the Heidt Hope House, part of the Boys Hope Girls Hope Cincinnati “Building Hope” Initiative. Robert Heidt is Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, where he has practiced as a physician since 1982 and served as the team physician for the Cincinnati Bengals for nearly three decades. Julia Heidt serves on the Board of Trustees for the Scripps Family Office. The Heidts have supported the NWWF since 2017.
• Originally from West Virginia, Nena and Bill Beynon have been full-time residents of Naples since 1998. Bill is President and CEO of Capital Wealth Advisors, where he leads a team of over 40 professionals focused in the areas of wealth management and estate planning. Nena’s career was in elementary education, serving 23 years in the classroom. Nena and Bill have enjoyed their involvement in many non-profits since moving to Naples, both as active volunteers and board members. Their philanthropy has focused in the areas of children, education, hunger, cancer research and military veterans. The Beynon’s attended the NWWF for the first time in 2016 and immediately fell in love with its mission.
• With homes in both Naples and Columbus, Ohio, Libby and Rick Germain are passionately involved in a number of charitable organizations in both locations. Rick has over 40 years of progressive growth in the automotive industry within various manufacturer environments and currently directs the Germain Automotive Partnership with multiple dealerships in Naples and Columbus. Libby is an alum of The Ohio State University and supports the university in a number of capacities by serving on The Ohio State University Foundation Board. She also has become very involved with Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James. The Germain’s have supported the NWWF since 2017.

“This past year’s NWWF was an amazing success as we raised an incredible amount of money for essential children’s services in our community,” said Bill Beynon, 2023 NWWF Co-Chair and NCEF Grant Committee member. “Our team is excited to take on this challenge, building upon the 2022 event and bringing everyone together again in 2023 for another impactful weekend.”

Ticket packages for the 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival start at $15,000 per couple for a Double Magnum package and $35,000 for two couples to experience a Jeroboam Package.

For additional information, please visit:napleswinefestival.com/about-the-festival.

About Naples Winter Wine Festival

The Naples Winter Wine Festival, 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 private homes 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 nearly $244 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.

About Naples Children & Education Foundation

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, 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 more than 50 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing more than 275,000 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.