Wine Legend Marchese Piero Antinori Named Honored Vintner for 2015 Naples Winter Wine Festival

Antinori One of 41 Preeminent Vintners Selected to Attend Festival

Naples, FL – August 12, 2014 – Marchese Piero Antinori, president of Marchesi Antinori, one of the most historic and prestigious names in Italian winemaking, has been selected as the Honored Vintner for the 2015 Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), a premier charity wine auction. The Naples Winter Wine Festival, which will take place from January 23-25 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, FL, also unveiled 40 other world-renowned vintners who will participate in the 2015 festival.

“I am excited and thrilled for having been selected as the 2015 Honored Vintner,” said Marchese Piero Antinori. “It’s the first time that an Italian producer has received such an honor at the Naples Winter Wine Festival, and I consider it a great tribute to all wines and vintners of my country.”

Each year, one vintner, who has significantly contributed to the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is asked to represent his/her fellow vintners.  Marchesi Antinori, which dates back to the 14th century and now boasts 27 generations of wine producers, is famous for three of the world’s most iconic wines: Tignanello, Solaia, and Guado al Tasso. Regarded as a pioneer and innovator, Marchese Piero Antinori has almost single-handedly changed the way wine is produced in Italy, having been credited with propelling the Super Tuscan wines to the forefront of Italian winemaking. 2015 will mark his fifth appearance at the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

In addition to Marchese Antinori, this year’s event will feature some of the most talented and respected vintners from three dozen wineries in 15 global wine-producing regions, seven countries, and four continents, in the northern and southern hemispheres. These top vintners have created some of the most sought-after and collectable wines in the world. They are regularly recognized for their contributions by wine enthusiasts across the globe.

“Each participating vintner is a giant in the industry, and we are thrilled that they are volunteering their time and talent to this amazing event,” said Sandi Moran, Vintner Chair and Co-Chair of the 2015 festival. “These renowned vintners, paired with the finest chefs and our country’s most generous philanthropists, will help raise millions of dollars for underprivileged and at-risk children.”

The other esteemed vintners for this year’s festival include:

Featured Dinner Vintners – Will pour during intimate dinners hosted by Festival Trustees in elegant, private homes and settings throughout Naples.

Santiago Achávalof Achával-Ferrer in Mendoza, Argentina

Paul Leary of Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley, California

Deb Whitman & Ed Fittsof BRAND Napa Valley in St. Helena, California

Nick Allenof Carte Blanche Wines in Napa Valley, California

Roberta Cerettoof Ceretto in Alba, Italy

Blakesley & Cyril Chappelletof Chappellet Vineyard in St. Helena, California

Paul Pontallier of Château Margaux in Margaux, France

Thomas Durouxof Château Palmer in Margaux, France

Nicolas Glumineau of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac, France

Ann Colgin & Joe Wender of Colgin Cellars in St. Helena, California

Tim Mondavi & Carissa Mondaviof Continuum in St. Helena, California

Shahpar & Darioush Khalediof Darioush in Napa Valley, California

Claude & Laurent Ponsotof Domaine Ponsot in Morey-Saint-Denis, France

Grace & Ken Evenstadof Domaine Serene in Dayton, Oregon

Bill Foleyof Foley Johnson in Healdsburg, California

Valerie Boyd & Jeff Gargiuloof Gargiulo Vineyards in Napa Valley, California

Dan Kostaof Kosta Browne Winery in Sebastopol, California

Cinzia Merliof Le Macchiole in Bolgheri, Italy

Véronique Drouhin-Bossof Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, France

Manuel Louzada of Numanthia in Valdefinjas, Spain

Betty O’Shaughnessy & Paul Woollsof O’Shaughnessy Winery in Angwin, California

Deborah & Bill Harlan and Amanda & Will Harlan of Promontory in Oakville, California

Merle & Peter Mullinof Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, California

Beth Novak Milliken of Spottswoode Estate Vineyards & Winery in St. Helena, California

Barbara Bankeof Vérité / Tenuta di Arceno in Santa Rosa, California and Siena, Italy

Champagne Sponsor – Will pour during the Krug Tasting & Luncheon event and during champagne receptions at each of the 16 private vintner dinners. 

Olivier Krug of Krug Champagne in Reims, France

Port Vintner – Will pour during the dessert course at each of the 16 private vintner dinners.

Dominic Symington of Symington Family Estates in Douro, Portugal

Featured Luncheon Vintners – Will pour during a luncheon after Meet the Kids Day, where guests witness first-hand the life-changing impact of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

Bridgit & Stephen Griesselof Betz Family Winery in Woodinville, Washington

Andrea Farinetti, of Borgogno Wines in Barolo, Italy

Ann & Dick Graceof Grace Family Vineyards in St. Helena, California

Juan Mercadoof Realm Cellars in St. Helena, California

VIP Party / Auction Day Vintners – Will pour at the opening party and prior to the start of the electrifying live auction.

Pam Starrof Crocker & Starr Wines in St. Helena, California

Todd Newmanof Dakota Shy Wine in St. Helena, California

Mike Farmer & Lucas Farmerof Euclid Wines in Napa Valley, California

Augustin Huneeus of Flowers Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley, California

Carole & Michael Marksof Gemstone Vineyards in St. Helena, California

Helen Keplinger & DJ Warner of Keplinger in Napa Valley, California

Melinda Kearney & Michèle Ouelletof LORENZA in St. Helena, California

Jenny Marie & Rutger de Vink of RdV Vineyards in Delaplane, Virginia

Gary, Rosella & Adam Franscioniof ROAR Wines in Soledad, California

Guests at the Naples Winter Wine Festival will savor incomparable cuisine and taste award-winning, cult classic wines. They will also have the opportunity to bid on exceptional wines, unforgettable dining experiences, and custom travel packages.

Ticket packages to this exclusive event are available and start at $8,500 per couple for festival tickets, with a $20,000 package that includes reserved seating for a party of four at the same vintner dinner and under the tent. For more information about the Naples Winter Wine Festival, please visit http://www.napleswinefestival.com or call 888-837-4919.

About the Naples Winter Wine Festival

The Naples Winter Wine Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, bringing together renowned vintners and chefs with wine enthusiasts and philanthropists for a three-day festival that raises millions of dollars for underprivileged and at-risk children. Every dollar raised under the tent funds the festival’s founding organization, the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), whose annual grants and strategic initiatives have provided around 200,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel.  For more information, please visit Napleswinefestival.com