Naples Children Foundation
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Sep. 302016

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The 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival is only 1 mon

The 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival is only 1 month away! This year’s theme “Picture This” reflects the NCF’s mission of transforming the lives of children in need. It is a call to imagine and to believe in what is possible when compassion meets action. The theme challenges Festival supporters, vintners, chefs and donors to picture the impact their generosity can have in creating a world of endless futures for children in our community. We can't wait to see you January 30, 2026 through February 1, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier Jonathan Eic

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier Jonathan Eichholz, MS of Aftergold in New York, New York. Jonathan Eichholz is an award-winning Master Sommelier who has worked at Michelin-starred Aquavit and The Modern in New York City. He was named Best Young Sommelier in America in 2019 and went on to place 2nd in the world. Jonathan is a GuildSomm educator, host and co-producer of The Wine Show on Vice Media, and is preparing to open the fine dining concept Aftergold in Lower Manhattan.

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Marie Chesli

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Marie Cheslik of Slik Wines in Chicago, Illinois.
Marie Cheslik is a Wisconsin-born registered nurse, certified sommelier and founder of Slik Wines. After balancing careers in healthcare and award-winning restaurants, she became passionate about making wine more approachable for everyone. A former Michelin restaurant wine director and Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Tastemaker, Marie created Slik to turn curiosity into confidence and help everyday drinkers connect through wine

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are fea

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are featuring Philip Tessier of PRESS Restaurant in Saint Helena, California.
Philip Tessier is an acclaimed chef, author, mentor and chef partner at Michelin-starred PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena. A Bocuse d’Or podium finisher and coach of Team USA’s first gold medal, he has cooked at Le Bernardin, Per Se and The French Laundry. Today, he continues to shape the next generation of chefs through PRESS and Under-Study, his modern culinary marketplace next door.

The incredible lineup of world-renowned vintners i

The incredible lineup of world-renowned vintners includes Shari & Garen Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyard in Rutherford, California.
Shari and Garen Staglin’s love of wine began at the table and led to a lifelong dream. In 1985, that dream became Staglin Family Vineyard—an ultra-premium Napa Valley estate rooted in family ownership, quality and giving back. Today, the next generation carries on the legacy, crafting great wines for great causes and supporting mental health through their nonprofit, One Mind.

Photos from the 2025 #NWWF Million Dollar Night of

Photos from the 2025 #NWWF Million Dollar Night of Music 🎶�Lot 50 brought together forty couples for an unforgettable evening with Scotty McCreery at The Club Room at Campiello in Naples. Guests enjoyed an intimate night of stellar country music, a world-class Italian dinner and the company of one of country music’s biggest stars—an artist with six No. 1 hits, multiple ACM and CMT Awards, and millions of albums sold.
An extraordinary night of music, cuisine and generosity—all for the kids.
Photography: @sharon_mammano_photography

The incredible lineup of world-renowned vintners i

The incredible lineup of world-renowned vintners includes Beth Novak of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery in Saint Helena, California.
Beth Weber Novak joined her mother at Spottswoode Estate in 1987, becoming the first second-generation family member to help lead the winery. For nearly four decades, she has been central to establishing Spottswoode as one of Napa Valley’s most respected and sustainably minded winegrowing estates.
Her leadership has guided major milestones, including estate expansion, vineyard replanting, organic certification in 1992, and the construction of the winery in 1999. Beth became the youngest—and first female—president of the Napa Valley Vintners in 1998. She has championed environmental stewardship, restoration efforts and philanthropy, including joining 1% for the Planet and co-chairing Auction Napa Valley. Today, Beth continues to steward Spottswoode with the same dedication that has shaped three generations, ensuring the estate’s wines reflect integrity, balance and a deep respect for the land.

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are fea

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are featuring John Tesar of Knife Steakhouse and Knife Italian in Dallas, Texas.
John Tesar is a celebrated chef who began his career in New York City before opening three acclaimed restaurants, two in Dallas (Knife, Knife Italian) and one in Orlando (Knife & Spoon.) His work has earned national recognition from Bon Appétit, Eater, GAYOT and Esquire. In 2022, Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes was awarded a Michelin Star, which it continues to hold today. A fixture in the Dallas dining scene, Tesar has been honored by Food & Wine and The New York Times, is a five-time James Beard “Best Chef: Southwest” semifinalist, and a two-time Top Chef contestant, solidifying his reputation as a true chef’s chef.

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight: MILLION DOLLAR MEAL … ALL for the Kids! Be one of just 40 couples to enjoy an exclusive rooftop dinner on November 17, 2026, at Prime Social Reserve overlooking Fifth Avenue South. The evening features a cocktail and wine reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a multi-course dinner prepared by 2026 NWWF Chef de Cuisine Dustin Valette in collaboration with Executive Chef Alejandra Bringas, paired with exceptional wines. Musical entertainment will be provided by award-winning singer-songwriter and Naples native Kelly Neff. All food, wine and beverages are included in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Andy Chabot

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Andy Chabot of Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.
Andy Chabot’s passion for flavor led him from local kitchens to the Culinary Institute of America, and ultimately to Blackberry Farm in 2002. There, he found his calling in the front of house, helping expand the wine cellar from 17,000 to 166,000 bottles in six years. He became director of food & beverage in 2007 and has since guided award-winning service and beverage programs, contributing to three James Beard Awards. Now senior vice president of food & beverage for Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, Andy oversees seven restaurants, all wine and spirits programs, and major events.
Featured in Imbibe, Wine Spectator, Food & Wine and more, he has advanced through the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a Michael Bonaccorsi Scholarship recipient.

Joining the distinguished Vintner lineup for this