Friends of the Foundation | Naples Children & Education Foundation

Naples Children Foundation
- - The Naples Children Foundation was established in 2000 with the vision to be a sustainable, world-recognized organization that generates and distributes significant resources for the vulnerable children in Collier County and is known for its support of measurable results.
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Naples Winter Wine Festival
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    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.
    About the Festival
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    - 2026 Chefs
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    - 2026 Auction Lots
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News & Galleries
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    Lisa JulianoSVP, Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production
    239-325-2972
    
    Clay ConePR Consultant, Cone Communications
    239-398-9268
    For the press
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  - - Nov. 252025
      Naples Children Foundation Announces 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival Special Fu...
    - Nov. 112025
      Extraordinary, One-of-a-Kind Wine, Culinary and Travel Experiences Unveiled for ...
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Jun. 142017

2017 Friends Grape Celebration Somm Edition

Photo Credit: Louis Venne Photography

Apr. 132017

2017 Friends Wine Seminar

Sep. 292016

2014 / 2015 Friends of the Foundation Committee

Sep. 292016

2014 FriendsGiving Event

Sep. 292016

2015 Grape Celebration

Sep. 292016

2016 Grape Celebration

Sep. 292016

Friends of the Foundation at Meet the Kids Day 2014

Sep. 292016

Friends of the Foundation at Check Presentation 2014

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight: Gargiulo: A Journey Through Culinary Italy.
Two couples will join Gargiulo Vineyards Proprietors Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo, along with Chef Angelo Auriana, for a six-night food and wine adventure through Italy. The experience begins with a private planning dinner in Naples, Florida, before heading to Bologna for four nights in a luxury hotel with curated culinary tours, market visits, tastings with local chefs and exclusive visits to Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar producers—with lunch and dinner included daily.
The journey continues with two nights in Bergamo, featuring a private city tour with Chef Auriana and regional dining each day. The package includes roundtrip business-class airfare and a collection of rare, etched 3L bottles from Gargiulo Vineyards.

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Max Kast, MS

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Max Kast, MS of BOND in Oakville, California.
Max discovered his passion for wine while studying history at the University of Montana, leading to over twenty years in the industry. He refined his skills as wine director at two Relais & Châteaux properties, including Triple Creek Ranch and The Fearrington House, helping the latter earn Forbes Five Star status and Three Stars from The World of Fine Wine.
After transitioning to wine import education with Broadbent Selections, Max earned the prestigious Master Sommelier title in 2018 — a distinction held by fewer than 300 people worldwide. Today, as director of BOND Winery in Napa Valley, he represents the exceptional wines of the Harlan family on a global stage.

Joining the distinguished Vintner lineup for this

Joining the distinguished Vintner lineup for this year’s Festival is Marilisa Allegrini of Marilisa Allegrini in Verona, Italy.
Meet Marilisa Allegrini, president of Allegrini and a renowned leader in Italian wine, widely recognized as Lady Amarone. Since entering the industry in 1983, she has guided the growth of the Allegrini portfolio with notable expansions in Bolgheri and Montalcino. Marilisa realized a lifelong dream with the acquisition of the historic Villa Della Torre. She was the first Italian woman to appear solo on the cover of Wine Spectator and has served on several distinguished boards within Italy’s wine and cultural institutions.

We are proud to announce the 2026 Naples Winter Wi

We are proud to announce the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival’s Fund a Need: “The Picture of Health.” 💛
This year’s initiative shines a spotlight on children’s healthcare, addressing critical gaps in access to mental health, oral health, vision and primary care. Every dollar raised through this special live auction lot will support NCF’s comprehensive approach to opening the door to quality care at an early age, ensuring every child has the chance to grow, learn and thrive.
With the generosity of our patrons, barriers are removed and our community’s children can truly become “The Picture of Health.”
Click the link in our bio to read the Press Release.

The Naples Winter Wine Festival is only two months

The Naples Winter Wine Festival is only two months away! The NWWF returns to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón for its 26th anniversary on January 30, 2026 through February 1, 2026. We look forward to another successful celebration in 2026 with an exhilarating live auction in support of our mission to create lasting change by investing in proven programs that transform the lives of vulnerable children in our community.

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight: Stars, Cinema & Chopard Splendor.
One winning couple will receive the Red Carpet treatment for four days at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in May 2026. The trip begins with Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare from the United States to Nice, France where guests will enjoy three nights’ accommodations in a King Room at the iconic Five-star Hôtel Martinez. VIP experiences include a walk down the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals for a major film premiere; two reserved seats to attend the glamorous Chopard Party with stars and celebrities; one dinner at a Five-star restaurant, hosted by a Chopard representative; and access to the legendary Chopard Rooftop at Hôtel Martinez, plus breakfast, lunch and unlimited Champagne. Guests also will enjoy a private viewing of Chopard’s newest High Jewelry creations from the maison’s Red Carpet Collection 2026 and will receive a $25,000 credit toward a high jewelry purchase.

Wishing everyone a warm and joyful Thanksgiving. W

Wishing everyone a warm and joyful Thanksgiving. We are beyond grateful for our community. 🧡

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are fea

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are featuring Andrew Quinn of The Noortwyck in New York, New York.
Andrew Quinn is the co-owner and executive chef of The Noortwyck in the West Village, known for its seasonal, approachable menu and intimate neighborhood feel. His standout dishes range from white asparagus cacio e pepe to char siu duck milk buns, along with refined classics like roast chicken and beef Wellington. He sources locally and makes everything in-house, earning the restaurant two stars from The New York Times. Before opening The Noortwyck in 2022, Chef Andy cooked in Michelin-starred kitchens including Eleven Madison Park and Hibiscus in the UK.

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Logan Griffi

Please join us in welcoming sommelier Logan Griffin of Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee.
Logan Griffin’s passion for hospitality began in his family’s catering kitchen, where he helped cook from a young age. He took his first restaurant job at 15, later attending the Culinary Institute of America, where he discovered his talent for wine and spirits. After learning about Blackberry Farm’s beverage program, he joined the team in 2011 and eventually became director of food and beverage at Blackberry Mountain. Logan was part of the wine team when The Barn at Blackberry Farm earned James Beard Awards for “Outstanding Wine Service” and “Outstanding Restaurant Service.”

The Naples Children Foundation, the founding organ

The Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the renowned Naples Winter Wine Festival, held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, sponsored by Waterside Shops. This special event honored the dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time and talent throughout the year. Volunteers help make the #NWWF possible by supporting countless behind-the-scenes efforts. The brunch was NCF’s way of expressing gratitude as the countdown continues to the 26th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival, taking place January 30–February 1, 2026.

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are fea

NWWF26 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are featuring Doug Psaltis of Eat Well Hospitality and Asador Bastian in Chicago, Illinois.
Michelin-starred Chef Doug Psaltis has trained in some of the world’s most esteemed kitchens, including Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV in Monaco and Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in Napa Valley, before bringing his extraordinary talent to Chicago. As co-founder of Eat Well Hospitality, he is the chef-proprietor of three acclaimed restaurants: Andros Taverna, offering contemporary Greek cuisine rooted in tradition; Asador Bastian, a Basque-inspired steakhouse recognized by The New York Times as one of the “25 Best Restaurants” in 2024; and Mano a Mano, serving regional Italian comfort food. Chef Psaltis has maintained a singular philosophy: remarkable dining experiences are built on pure ingredients, thoughtful technique and warm, welcoming hospitality.

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight

Naples Winter Wine Festival Live Auction Highlight: Château Life: An Exclusive Bordeaux Journey. 🍷🍇
Five couples will spend 5 luxurious nights in Bordeaux with exclusive access to the world-renowned Château Troplong Mondot in Saint-Émilion. The private château features 5 bedroom Suites, a pool, multiple dining and lounging spaces, electric bicycles and breathtaking vineyard views. Courtesy of The Bordeaux Concierge, the winners will experience 3 days of private visits and tastings at 6 Grand Cru Classé estates, with hosted lunches at 3 of them. Additional highlights include an in-depth immersion tour and tasting of Château Troplong Mondot’s most celebrated vintages, a countryside-style dinner in the château’s orchard prepared by the Michelin-starred estate restaurant and a special dinner at Michelin-starred Les Belles Perdrix. Each couple will take home 1 Magnum of 2019 Château Troplong Mondot.
The NWWF returns to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón on January 30, 2026 through February 1, 2026. 🎉