Naples Winter Wine Festival unveils the Best of the Best

The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) has announced its full vintner, chef and Master Sommelier roster for the three-day Festival, taking place January 26-28, 2018 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, FL. Celebrating the Festival’s 18th year, attendees of the three-day event will have a chance to taste some of the most celebrated dishes and wines from award-winning culinary and wine legends from across the globe.

Bringing together more than 30 of the world’s highly distinguished wineries with 18 award-winning chefs, this year’s roster boasts a collective eight Michelin Stars, 15 James Beard Awards, and wines from over 13 wine producing regions, eight countries and five continents for a series of exclusive, curated dinners. The 2018 roster of Master Sommeliers includes 17 of the 236 professionals worldwide. All proceeds from the Festival will benefit charities that improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of Collier County’s underprivileged and at-risk children.

This year, Michelin-starred Gary Danko of Restaurant Gary Danko and Vintners David R. Duncan and Karynne Duncan MD of Silver Oak will be honored as Chef de Cuisine and Honored Vintners in recognition of their professional and philanthropic accolades. These longtime Festival participants will be joined by additional key supporters of NWWF,
including renowned vintners Marilisa Allegrini of Allegrini Estates, Shahpar & Darioush Khaledi of Darioush, Olivier Krug of Krug Champagne and Shari & Garen Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyard along with celebrity chefs Paul Bartolotta of The Bartolotta Restaurants, Dominque Crenn of Atelier Crenn and Joseph Lenn of JC Holdway and Master Sommeliers Will Costello of Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estate, Chris Miller of Seabold Cellars and Larry Stone of Linqua Franca.

“Year after year the Naples Winter Wine Festival is proud to welcome such resounding talent to Naples, Florida,” said 2018 Festival Co-Chair Susie McCurry. “We are thrilled that these respected vintners, chefs and Master Sommeliers will be joining us for what is sure to be an exciting Festival weekend to support the children of Collier County.” On the Festival’s first evening, guests will be chauffeured to one of 17 intimate dinners hosted by Festival Trustees in private homes and settings throughout Naples. There they will savor multi-course meals, expertly prepared by these famous chefs and designed to pair perfectly with a selection of the attending vintners’ first-class wines, an experience that can’t be missed.

Ticket packages to the Naples Winter Wine Festival are limited to 580 guests and start at $10,000 per couple. A $25,000 package that includes reserved seating for a party of four at a Vintner Dinner and under the tent is also available. To inquire about tickets to the Festival, please contact Barrett Farmer at barrett@napleswinefestival.com or 239.514.2239.

For all press-related inquiries, please contact naples@sunshinesachs.com or 212.691.2800. A full list participating
chefs, vintners and Master Sommeliers available here: www.napleswinefestival.com

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 wines and food during intimate dinners in private homes and settings, 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 $161 million, making a profound difference in the lives 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 over 40 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing more than 200,000 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.