Page 35 - LIN_December_2023_web_file

Philippe Sereys de Rothschild,
Ralph & Shelly Stayer, Piero Antinori.

Photo by Tony Zollo.
2023 NWWF Live Auction.
Photo by Mila Bridger.

Copyright Joseph Drouhin.
Véronique Boss-Drouhin.
4e génération.

ne of the world's most prestigious charity wine auctions,
th
the Naples Winter Wine Festival, returns for its 24 annual
Ocelebration on January 26-28, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton
Naples, Tiburón.
With the theme “Generosity in Full Bloom,” the Festival
will once again feature exclusive fine wines, impeccable cuisine
and unique, one-of-a-kind auction lots benefitting its founding
Ritz Carlton Team at Food and Wine
organization, the Naples Children & Education Foundation Reception. Photo by Tony Zollo. Chef Paul Bartolotta
(NCEF) in support of its mission of making a profound and
sustaining difference in the lives of underserved children in Collier
Shelly and Ralph Stayer. The Stayers are co-owners of Johnsonville,
County.
LLC, the nation’s number one sausage brand and have been
This year’s theme reflects the incredible support consistently
supporters of NCEF and the NWWF for several years.
provided to the Festival from patrons around the globe who bid on
“It is an honor to be entrusted with leading such an important
amazing auction lots and the dozens of award-winning chefs and
event as the Naples Winter Wine Festival,” said 2024 NWWF
world-renowned vintners who generously donate their time and
Chair Ralph Stayer. “The 2023 Festival was truly amazing, raising
talents at intimate private dinners throughout Naples, featuring the
nearly $26 million for essential children’s services in our community.
very best wines and food and unforgettable experiences.
We hope to build upon that momentum and anticipate welcoming
Among them is renowned Burgundy and Oregon winemaker
everyone back together for another impactful weekend.”
Véronique Boss-Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin and Domaine
The Chairs of the 2024 NWWF bring the perfect combination
Drouhin Oregon, who will be celebrated for her significant
of professional business and philanthropic experience both in
contributions to the wine industry as the Festival’s Honored Vintner.
Naples and abroad. Under their stewardship at Johnsonville, LLC,
Drouhin grew up in Beaune, France, in the heart of Burgundy, and
the family-owned business has grown from a small butcher shop in
was one of the first women to choose the path of oenology.
Wisconsin into a thriving, billion-dollar global operation. Ralph was
“It is extremely flattering for me to be named as the Honored
honored as CEO of the Year by Tim Peters in 1988 and was named
Vintner for the 2024 Naples Winter Wine Festival, which attracts
as a finalist in the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the
wine enthusiasts and loyal supporters from all over the world,”
Year Award in 2000.
Drouhin said. “Having participated in eight previous festivals, I have
Beyond business, the Stayer’s true passion is philanthropy. In
witnessed firsthand the generosity and good work that it produces to
2018, Shelly Stayer funded the Shelly Stayer Shelter for Human
support underprivileged and at-risk children.”
Trafficking Victims in Immokalee providing a safe haven for victims
Also participating in the 2024 Naples Winter Wine Festival is
of human trafficking and domestic violence. She also has chaired
four-time nominated and two-time James Beard Award-winning
some of the highest profile non-profit and philanthropic fundraising
Chef Paul Bartolotta, who will be saluted as Chef de Cuisine.
endeavors in the states of Florida and Wisconsin.
Bartolotta co-founded The Bartolotta Restaurants with his brother
“It is so exciting to see plans already coming together for
in 1993. Today, the nationally recognized restaurant group operates
the 2024 Naples Winter Wine Festival where we will witness
17 award-winning restaurants and catering facilities.
“Generosity in Full Bloom,” said 2024 NWWF Chair Shelly Stayer.
“Having participated in the Naples Winter Wine Festival in
“Our amazing live auction will once again feature exclusive wine,
recent years, I have witnessed the profound and sustaining difference
food and travel packages with every dollar raised under the big tent
that the event has on children in the community,” Bartolotta said.
going to benefit underprivileged and at-risk kids in Collier County.”
“I am sincerely honored to be named as the 2024 NWWF Chef de
Since its inaugural event in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival
Cuisine and I look forward to joining some of the very best chefs
has raised approximately $269 million, making a profound difference in
and vintners in the world for such an important cause.”
the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County.
th
The 24 annual NWWF comes following the record-breaking
For additional information, please visit:
event in 2023 and anticipation for another hugely successful Festival
napleswinefestival.com/about-the-festival.
is already building under the leadership of the 2024 NWWF Chairs
Life in Naples | December 2023 35