Page 59 - LIN_Nov_2025_web-file

Alberto Tasca of Tasca d'Almerita in Sicily, From the refined Southern cuisine of Doug Psaltis of Eat Well Hospitality and Asador
Italy Blackberry Farm’s Cassidee Dabney and Bastian in Chicago, Illinois
Nicole & Jean Trimbach of Trimbach in Blackberry Mountain’s Joey Edwards to the Andrew Quinn of The Noortwyck in New York,
Incredible Lineup of Alsace, France modern Italian flavors of Angelo Auriana and New York
Pablo Álvarez Mezquíriz of Vega Sicilia in
Michael Reed of Poppy & Seed in Anaheim,
the progressive tasting menus of Dave Beran, the
Valladolid, Spain diverse group reflects the cutting edge of American California
Acclaimed Vintners and the most prestigious wine producing regions fine dining. Dallas, Texas
John Tesar of Knife Steakhouse and Knife Italian in
“These featured vintners represent some of
THIS YEAR’S LIST OF CELEBRITY CHEFS INCLUDES:
around the world,” said Bill Cary, 2026 Vintner Karen Akunowicz of Fox & the Knife in Philip Tessier of PRESS Restaurant in Saint
Top Chefs Unveiled for Committee Member. “We are delighted our Boston, Massachusetts Helena, California
patrons will have the opportunity to meet these
“The Naples Winter Wine Festival has earned
Angelo Auriana of The Factory Kitchen in Los
renowned winemakers and sample rare and Angeles, California a reputation for attracting many of the nation’s top
th
26 Annual Naples Winter Wine Festival outstanding wines, setting the stage for what we California award-winning chefs, and this year is no different,”
Elliot Bell of Charlie’s in Saint Helena,
anticipate will be another extraordinary weekend
said Kelley Bailey, 2026 Chef Committee Chair. “Our
Dave Beran of SELINE in Santa Monica,
on January 30, 2026 - February 1, 2026 of generosity.” California lineup includes a number of celebrity chefs who have
consistently participated in the NWWF for several
This year’s list of celebrity chefs is led by
Chef de Cuisine Dustin Valette, the acclaimed Stephen Coe of Ciba Matta and 1756 Grotto years along with a handful of fresh new faces who are
Chef-Owner of Valette and The Matheson in in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands making their debut.”
Healdsburg, California. A fifth generation Sonoma Cassidee Dabney of The Barn at Blackberry The three day Festival officially kicks off with the
County native, Valette carries on a family legacy Farm in Walland, Tennessee and Joey Edwards of annual Meet the Kids Day on Friday morning, when
that dates back to the 1820s, when his great- Three Sisters at Blackberry Mountain in Walland, guests will have a chance to hear from some of the
grandfather opened bakeries in the same buildings Tennessee children who have received support from NCEF funds
that now house his celebrated restaurants. Dean Fearing of Fearing’s Restaurant in and see how their generosity has positively impacted
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Dallas, Texas the community. Following the presentations, guests
America, Valette honed his craft under renowned Joe Flamm of Day Off Group in Chicago, will meet vintners and taste their fabulous wines at a
chefs like Thomas Keller and Laurent Manrique Illinois luncheon.
before returning home to wine country. In 2015, Rogelio Garcia of Auro in Calistoga, THIS YEAR’S MEET THE KIDS DAY LUNCHEON VINTNERS INCLUDE:
he and his brother fulfilled a childhood dream California Sarah & Michael Browne of CHEV. and CIRQ.
by opening Valette, a fine-casual restaurant that Beau MacMillan of CALA Scottsdale and The Estate in Windsor, California
quickly became a local favorite. He later launched Americano in Scottsdale, Arizona Desirée Del Dotto of Del Dotto Family Wineries
Valette Wines and opened The Matheson in 2021, Nancy Oakes of Boulevard in San Francisco, in Napa, California
an upscale, micro-seasonal dining destination California Tom Gamble of Gamble Estates in Oakville,
grounded in deep-rooted connections to local California
farmers and artisans. Jeff Cova of The Setting Wines in Napa, California
Joining Valette is a stellar lineup of award- On Friday evening, guests will enjoy one of 17
winning chefs from across the country, each intimate Vintner Dinners hosted by NCEF Trustees
bringing their own distinctive style and culinary in elegant, private homes and other landmark settings
vision. Representing both coasts and regions in throughout Naples where guests will experience
between, the roster includes James Beard Award beautifully curated multi-course dinners and wine
winners, Michelin-starred talents and pioneering pairings under the careful direction of award-winning
restaurateurs such as Karen Akunowicz, Dean chefs and legendary winemakers and poured by featured
Fearing, Nancy Oakes and Joe Flamm. sommeliers.
Following Friday’s opening festivities, guests will
flock to the Festival’s main event–Saturday’s famed
live auction, featuring some of the most incredible,
one-of-a-kind wine, travel and culinary experiences
in the world. All proceeds from the live auction will
benefit charities that improve the physical, emotional
and educational lives of the most vulnerable children in
Collier County.
The unforgettable weekend will conclude on Sunday
morning with the perfect ending to a perfect experience
— a sumptuous Champagne Brunch featuring Festival
chefs, vintners and sponsors.
th
Ticket packages for the 26 annual 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,
please visit: NaplesWineFestival.com/about-the-festival

Life in Naples | November 2025 5959