2026 NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL LIVE AUCTION RAISES OVER $30 MILLION

The annual Naples Winter Wine Festival delivered another remarkable fundraising performance this year, with the live auction surpassing $30 million in donations that will support children’s programs and services in Collier County. The event, held over the weekend at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, brought together philanthropists, local leaders and festival supporters for one of the region’s most anticipated charitable gatherings.

For more than two decades the Naples Winter Wine Festival has served as a cornerstone charity event in Southwest Florida, raising funds through high-end dining experiences, celebrity chef dinners and spirited bidding at the live auction. This year’s fundraising total continues the festival’s tradition of generating substantial contributions for youth-focused initiatives.

At the heart of the festival is the live auction, where bidders compete for exclusive packages and luxury experiences. Many of the lots combine travel, fine wine, gourmet meals and unique access to high-end events — enticing items that encourage generous giving. Patrons and sponsors lined the auction floor, raising paddles enthusiastically as winning bids stacked up into the tens of millions.

Organizers say the proceeds will benefit The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the nonprofit behind the festival’s philanthropic mission. The foundation directs funds to a broad range of programs aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. Over its history, the festival has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for local causes, making it one of the most successful charity wine events in the country.

This year’s event also showcased the strength of community engagement in Naples and beyond, with individuals and corporate partners stepping up to support a wide array of children’s health, education and wellness initiatives. Organizers noted that the strong turnout and generous bids reflect both a commitment to local philanthropy and a continued appetite for high-impact fundraising experiences.

In addition to the live auction, the multi-day festival featured chef-driven dinners, wine tastings and social events that draw attendees from across the nation. These components not only create memorable experiences but also contribute to the overall fundraising total through ticket sales, sponsorships and ancillary donations.

As the Naples Winter Wine Festival looks ahead to future editions, its organizers remain focused on maximizing contributions for children’s services while celebrating the vibrant culinary and philanthropic culture that defines the event.