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2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction
RAISES OVER $30 MILLION

Benefitting Vulnerable Children

in Collier County

NAPLES, FL, (February 1, 2026) The night before Saturday’s Live Auction, 18 all-star celebrity
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he 26 annual Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) chefs, 21 world-renowned vintners and 17 of the world’s elite featured
“Picture This” culminated this weekend following an sommeliers paired off to prepare exquisite, intimate dinners at the
Texhilarating live auction, raising more than $30 million elegant, private homes of Festival Trustees and other exclusive locations
to benefit the most vulnerable children in Collier County. This across Naples.
incredible support brings the total amount raised by the NWWF Although this weekend marked the final days of the 2026 NWWF,
to more than $366 million since its inception in 2001. Festival enthusiasts still have the opportunity to bid for a number of
Festival attendees once again came together under the big tent remarkable auction lot items through the 12 annual NWWF
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just outside The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to bid on 51 unique, online auction as well as to donate to the Fund a Need at
one-of-a-kind wine, travel and culinary live auction lots, many nwwfonlineauction.com
of which included wines from some of the world’s most revered Using the funds raised from this year’s auction, NCF will award
vineyards. All proceeds will support some of the most effective grants to nonprofit organizations and fund strategic initiatives
nonprofit organizations in the local community that have provided supporting Collier County children in need on March 16, 2026.
385,000 children with the significant services and resources they About Naples Winter Wine Festival
need to excel. The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the
Among this year’s top live auction lots were two exclusive world's most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of
experiences - a “Million Dollar Night of Country” with a private unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine
dinner and concert with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter during intimate dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark
Thomas Rhett and a “Million Dollar Meal” at Prime Social settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime
Reserve with acclaimed Chef Dustin Valette. travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since
Other top live auction lots included a one-of-a-kind 2026 Aston its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised more than $366
Martin Vanquish Volante convertible paired with a VIP driving million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of
experience in Miami; seven nights of lakeside luxury and Italian thousands of children in Collier County.
splendor in Lake Como with a stay in Villa Polli; and an eight-night About Naples Children Foundation
luxurious voyage along the Greek islands aboard the 164’ ORIY The Naples Children Foundation (NCF), the founding organization
private charter yacht courtesy of Knights Bridge Winery. of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, creates transformational change
Festival attendees also generously participated in a heart-felt and improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for
call to action with on-the-spot donations supporting this year’s vulnerable children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and
Fund a Need, “The Picture of Health.” These contributions totaled strategic initiatives, NCF has impacted nearly 90 of the most effective
more than $7 million to support the Naples Children Foundation’s nonprofits in the local community, providing 385,000 children with the
(NCF’s) healthcare initiatives for children, specifically addressing services and resources they need to succeed. Through bold investments,
critical gaps in access to mental health, oral health, vision and collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solutions, NCF supports
primary healthcare services. programs that ensure every child can thrive. NCF’s unique approach,
On Friday, Festival attendees got the opportunity to witness which bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for
first-hand the life-changing impact of the NWWF during the how to transform a community–one issue at a time.
annual “Meet the Kids Day.” The morning culminated in heartfelt For additional information on the Naples Children Foundation or
presentations showcasing remarkable success stories that NCF’s the Naples Winter Wine Festival, please contact Lisa Juliano at
grants have made possible, followed by a delicious luncheon lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.
highlighting fabulous wines presented by acclaimed vintners.
30 www.LifeInNaples.net