Naples Winter Wine Festival Raises Over $34 Million for Local Charities

Naples, FL – The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), renowned for its dedication to philanthropy and fine wine, once again demonstrated its extraordinary impact by raising over $34 million during its latest event. Held at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, this year’s festival captivated attendees with an array of rare wines, luxurious auction items, and unforgettable culinary experiences – all for a noble cause.

The 2025 edition of the festival marked another milestone for the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the organization behind the event. Since its inception in 2001, the festival has raised over $269 million, directly benefiting at-risk and underprivileged children in Collier County. This year’s total – an impressive $34 million – will further bolster the foundation’s initiatives in child advocacy, education, and health services.

Auction Highlights

The event’s live auction was, as always, the centerpiece of the weekend, featuring some of the most exclusive and high-value lots in the festival’s history.

The highest-grossing lot of the night was Lot 45, which included the brand-new 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. The winning bidder paid $1.7 million for this luxury vehicle, making it the most expensive lot of the event. The bespoke Bentley, known for its high-performance engineering and opulent design, was a highly anticipated auction item and ignited a fierce bidding war.

Other standout lots included a private vineyard tour and tasting experience in Bordeaux, paired with a custom blend of wines created by the esteemed Château Margaux. A luxurious European river cruise and a collection of rare vintages from Napa Valley’s top vineyards also fetched six-figure sums.

In a heartfelt moment, a special auction lot dedicated to local children’s mental health services was introduced, inspired by the increasing needs identified in the community. Bidders responded generously, reflecting the festival’s deep commitment to holistic child welfare.

Culinary Delights

The festival’s culinary program was nothing short of spectacular. Michelin-starred chefs from around the world collaborated with celebrated local chefs to create one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Festival-goers savored dishes ranging from innovative seafood creations to perfectly paired wine and cheese flights, showcasing the region’s diverse culinary talents.

A Community Effort

The NWWF’s success hinges on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and sponsors who come together each year to make a difference. Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo, this year’s festival chairs, emphasized the collective spirit that fuels the event’s mission.

NCEF will distribute the funds through grants and strategic partnerships aimed at improving the lives of over 275,000 children. Focus areas include early learning programs, after-school activities, pediatric health care, and family support services.

Looking Ahead

With this year’s record-breaking total, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has set a new standard for charitable fundraising events in Southwest Florida. As the community celebrates this remarkable achievement, plans for next year’s festival are already underway. Organizers are committed to innovating and expanding the festival’s reach, ensuring that every child in Collier County has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information about the Naples Winter Wine Festival and how you can get involved, visit napleswinefestival.com.

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