About the Festival
The Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival is ranked among the top 10 arts and entertainment events for wealthy Americans. This ranking by the Luxury Institute is based on exclusivity, quality and prestige. Since 2004, the festival has earned the distinction of being the most successful charity wine auction in the nation according to Wine Spectator. The event brings many of the world's finest vintners and chefs together with wine collectors and philanthropists for a three-day gala in picturesque Naples, Florida.The trustees' vision of the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) made the dream of the Naples Winter Wine Festival a reality. The vision was based on creating an exquisite event, with proceeds benefiting local charities that assist underprivileged and at risk children. These two goals drive the trustees to ensure the festival is a huge success, with a significant impact on the quality of life for our community’s most venerable children.
Mission & Vision
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation, whose vision is to make a profound and sustaining difference in the quality of children’s lives. NCEF is committed to supporting charitable programs that improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged and at risk children in Collier County. Since its inception in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised more than $107 million for children in need.The Festival by the Numbers
| $107 million | Amount raised by the Naples Winter Wine Festival since 2001 - funds go directly to improving the lives of underprivileged and at risk children |
| $12.2 million | Total raised for children’s charities at the 2012 festival |
| $5.82 million | Total money distributed in 2011 for annual grants to local children's charities |
| $4.21 million | Total money designated in 2011 to support five long-term strategic initiatives |
| 580 guests | Festival guests in 2012 |
| $8,500 | Cost for one couple to attend the festival |
| $20,000 | Cost for two couples to attend the festival and the same Friday evening vintner dinner at one of 17 elegant private homes |
| 67 auction lots | One-of-a-kind treasures and experiences to be auctioned off at the 2012 festival |
| $2 million | Winning bid at the 2007 festival for a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe and one of the highest bids ever for a single lot at a charity wine auction |
| 100 x 148 foot tent | Set on the Grand Lawn of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples for the auction and Sunday brunch |
| 2,500 wine glasses | Filled at Saturday’s culinary showcase |
| 400 volunteers | Help prepare for the auction and are involved during the festivities as wine stewards, greeters, auction spotters, cheerleaders, etc. |