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In the News & Press

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Dec. 122021

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Thank you to Bentley Naples for being a proud supp

Thank you to Bentley Naples for being a proud supporter of the Naples Winter Wine Festival and the sponsor of the Lot Room. It’s ALL for the Kids!

We are pleased to announce that our popular online

We are pleased to announce that our popular online auction will return for a 12th consecutive year, allowing supporters from across Southwest Florida and beyond to bid on over 100 extraordinary lots. This year’s offerings include exceptional wine experiences and rare collectible bottles, over-the-top dinners with acclaimed chefs, exclusive travel experiences, custom art, golf outings, and more—including highlights like A Legacy of Terroir: ADAMVS and Château Fonplégade with Denise Adams, Art Basel, Marissa Collections Palm Beach Girls Getaway, and Bentley Naples + Butcher Private: An Evening of Rare Access.
Everyone is invited to take part in the excitement of the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival by bidding high and bidding often in the online auction. To do so, please visit nwwfonlineauction.com between Friday, January 23 at 8:00 a.m. (EST) through Tuesday, February 3 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).

The second installment of Rob Giardinelli’s Fun

The second installment of Rob Giardinelli’s Fun in Fundraising podcast is now out! This episode features a trio of guests—Bill Beynon and Ashley Gerry, co-chairs of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, along with founding member Valerie Gargiulo. As part of this special three-part series, Episode Two goes behind the scenes of the Festival to explore what it takes to create one-of-a-kind live auction packages that engage audiences and raise millions.
👉 Listen now: link in bio!

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier Cedric Nicai

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier Cedric Nicaise of The Noortwyck in New York, New York.
After leading several restaurants in Ithaca, New York, Cedric Nicaise pivoted to wine at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, then rose to wine director and director of operations at Eleven Madison Park during its era of major accolades, including earning Three Michelin Stars, ranking #1 on “World’s 50 Best Restaurants,” winning the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Service” in 2016. In 2022, he co-opened The Noortwyck with Chef Andy Quinn, crafting a dynamic wine list that complements Quinn’s New American, New York–driven cuisine. Cedric’s passions—Burgundy, Northern Rhône and Champagne—shine through the program, including an ongoing series of intimate wine dinners with curated, expert-led pairings.

Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight: Eight

Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight: Eight Knights on a Grand Greek Odyssey.
Four couples will embark on an eight-night private yacht voyage through the Greek Islands, courtesy of Knights Bridge Winery, sailing July 10–18 or July 18–26, 2026. The experience includes one night at a luxury hotel in Corfu or Zakynthos and seven nights aboard the 164’ ORIY yacht, featuring six staterooms, a Jacuzzi, gym, sauna, water toys, and a 12-person crew. Guests will enjoy a curated itinerary of iconic destinations, all meals prepared by a private chef, private air or business-class travel from New York or Boston.
The couples also will share a collection of fine wines, including one 6 Liter 2022 Knights Bridge Draco Dormiere; four 1.5 Liter 2022 Knights Bridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; four 1.5 Liter 2022 Knights Bridge Linville Cabernet Sauvignon; four 1.5 Liter 2023 Knights Bridge Haggerty Road Red Blend; four 1.5 Liter 2023 Knights Bridge Kelley Chardonnay; and four 1.5 Liter 2024 Knights Bridge Fairview Sauvignon Blanc.

Today we are featuring #NWWF Vinter Pablo Álvarez

Today we are featuring #NWWF Vinter Pablo Álvarez Mezquíriz of Vega Sicilia in Valladolid, Spain.
Pablo Álvarez Mezquíriz is CEO of TEMPOS Vega Sicilia and, alongside his siblings, owner of the family’s equity company, El Enebro. He also serves as chair of Europvin, representing Europe’s leading wine portfolios. Trained in law and corporate legal counsel, he was appointed general manager of Bodegas Vega Sicilia in 1986 and became CEO in 1990. Over three decades, Álvarez has transformed Vega Sicilia into a globally renowned wine group, expanding its portfolio with wineries in Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rioja, Tokaj and Rías Baixas. A noted perfectionist, he often says, “The best wine is yet to be made.”

We’re excited to share that Lisa Juliano, SVP, N

We’re excited to share that Lisa Juliano, SVP, Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production, was recently featured on Rob Giardinelli’s Fun in Fundraising podcast as part of a special three-part series. 🎙️ Episode One takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the nation’s most successful fundraising events, exploring what it takes to create a truly world-class, multi-day gala experience.
👉 Listen now: link in bio!

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier George Milio

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier George Miliotes, MS of Wine Bar George in Orlando, Florida.
As one of only about 279 Master Sommeliers worldwide, George Miliotes is a dedicated wine educator who continually deepens his expertise through study, tasting and travel. Inspired by his family’s specialty market and café in Orlando, he rose to become general manager of California Grill at Walt Disney World Resort, where he created an award-winning wine list and one of the first in the U.S. to offer 100 wines by the glass. George earned his Master Sommelier title in 2007 and later led wine programs for Darden, including The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s, and helped found Seasons 52. He went on to open Wine Bar George at Disney Springs, Florida’s only wine bar led by a Master Sommelier, known for its adventurous, cuisine-driven by-the-glass selections.

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier Jon McCarthy

Please join us in welcoming Sommelier Jon McCarthy of The Matheson in Healdsburg, California.
Certified Sommelier Jon McCarthy began his hospitality career in Virginia’s wine country before relocating to Sonoma County. He has worked with Chef Dustin Valette at Dry Creek Kitchen and led beverage programs at Chalkboard and Brass Rabbit. After a two-year stint in New York City—including roles at Aureole and as wine director for the Archer Hotel in Bryant Park—Jon returned to Sonoma as wine & beverage director at The Matheson, where he curates the renowned 88-bottle Wine Wall.

Thank you to Gulfshore Life Magazine for being one

Thank you to Gulfshore Life Magazine for being one of our Tastevin Society Sponsors for the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival! Make sure to read this year’s Salut! The Publication of the Naples Winter Wine Festival in conjunction with Gulfshore Life. Spotlighting the chefs, vintners, sommeliers and visionaries behind the 2026 Winter Wine Festival, along with the children whose lives it transforms.
Thank you to WINK News & The Naples Press for being one of our Tastevin Society Sponsors for the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival! The support of our generous sponsors and partners has allowed for the Festival’s continued success since its inception in 2001!

Joining the distinguished Vintner lineup for this

Joining the distinguished Vintner lineup for this year’s Festival are Nicole & Jean Trimbach of Trimbach in Alsace, France.
Born in 1960, Jean Trimbach represents the twelfth generation of the Trimbach family. Educated in Colmar and Strasbourg, he studied accounting and business before completing military service in the French Alps. In 1984, he spent nine months in the U.S. gaining experience in the wine industry, working with Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines in New York and at Gundlach Bundschu and Sterling Vineyards in California, followed by time at Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux. Jean joined the Trimbach family business in 1985 and has since played a key role, traveling extensively worldwide.

Today we are featuring #NWWF Vinter Alberto Tasca

Today we are featuring #NWWF Vinter Alberto Tasca of Tasca d'Almerita in Sicily, Italy.
Alberto Tasca is president and CEO of Tasca d’Almerita, one of Italy’s most historic family-owned wineries. Deeply rooted in Sicily, he has led investments across the island—from Regaleali to Mount Etna—championing native grape varieties and distinct terroirs. A leader in sustainable viticulture, Alberto co-founded the SOStain protocol and serves as president of the SOStain Sicily Foundation, helping earn Tasca d’Almerita international recognition, including “European Winery of the Year.”