The 17th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival, scheduled for January 27-29, 2017 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida, has recently announced an incredible list of auction items available at the Festival’s international charity wine auction. This three-day Festival brings together renowned vintners and chefs with wine enthusiasts and philanthropists to help raise millions of dollars for the Naples Children & Education Foundation, helping underprivileged and at-risk children. As the most successful international charity wine auction in the world, the Festival is also particularly renowned for the wide array of indulgent experiences it has to offer. From a VIP Red Carpet night at the Emmy’s to a 10-day trip through India complete with custom-made saris and jodhpurs and dinner at the City Palace with a member of the royal family, bidders not only have an amazing opportunity to benefit charity, but also to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
As part of the auction, guests will be able to claim rare gems from among the world’s best wines as hinted by the Festival’s title. For example, one of the signature wine items available not only includes a hand-painted 9-liter bottle of 1994 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Red Wine, delivered in a built-to-order presentation case, but also a meal with the Harlan family themselves in Napa Valley.
More magnificent opportunities include trips to all corners of the world, including a stay at Cuvee’s Vue de Rêves villa in St. Barts, noted as one of the finest properties in the entire Caribbean; a 24-day journey around the world by private jet with TCS World Travel; and a trip to Barcelona and Ibiza, including dinner with Ferran Centelles, the longtime Sommelier at El Bulli – widely considered the most influential and imaginative restaurant in the world.
Other Coveted Auction Items Include:
International cruise, wine, and television experiences courtesy of Robb Report, with the opportunity to drive and help select the 2018 Car of the Year, sail on a 10-day Crystal Cruise in a penthouse along the Danube, and the chance to sit in on a table read with the cast of “Modern Family.”
A weekend in Napa Valley with former San Francisco 49er’s owner and Hall of Fame members Eddie DeBartolo, Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Steve Young, Jerry Rice and Charles Haley, including an intimate dinner at Casa Piena – Policy Estate Vineyard complete with a bocce ball tournament with the players.
A whirlwind excursion to New York City with VIP tickets to a range of top shows, from “Saturday Night Live,” to “LIVE with Kelly,” to “The Today Show,” to the opening of “Anastasia,” and lunch with CNBC’s own Andrew Ross Sorkin.
A private dinner for 24 people hosted by the Duncan family of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars, followed by a live performance by country music legend Darius Rucker and a rare six-liter bottle of 1986 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Additional bottles of the coveted winery’s finest wines will be signed by David R. Duncan and gifted to the winner.
Trip by private jet to Italy’s Amalfi Coast for two couples, dinners at some of the region’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, and a collection of Lokoya’s best Cabernet Sauvignon bottles.
A performance that so many have been lining up for. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, with dozens of sold-out shows across the nation and hit Showtime specials, will perform an intimate show for 50 in a private venue of the winner’s choosing anywhere in the US.
A week on Sir Richard Branson’s private Australian island with exclusive use of all accommodations, activities and facilities such as a sunset cruise on the island’s aircraft carrier barge and a gourmet picnic on the secluded Northshore beaches.
A wine tour through Napa Valley, Argentina and Uruguay, including experiences such as a private blending session with the winemaker and enologist for Alejandro Bulgheroni Estates, dinner prepared by Celebrity Chef Francis Mallmann, and a round of golf at Alejandro’s private golf course, designed by 2007 US Open and 2009 Masters winner Angel Cabrera.
VIP access to the “Project Runway” Season Finale in New York City and a meet-and-greet with Heidi Klum, plus tickets to the Michael Kors and Zac Posen fashion shows. Lunch at the Union Club and wine dinners at Charlie Bird and Fowler & Wells, Celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio’s new restaurant, will top it all off.
Jet privately to a skiing adventure. First, travel to the world’s only private ski and golf community, the Yellowstone Club. Winners will even hit the slopes with extreme skier Scot Schmidt. Then it’s on to Deer Valley for a stay in suites at the St. Regis and more legendary skiing.
A night in a luxury suite at Madison Square Garden for 20 people, with the opportunity to choose from a variety of high-profile events and shows such as Billy Joel, Ariana Grande, the New York Knicks, or The Westminster Dog Show, with more to be announced in the coming months.
Travel to New York, Germany, and Switzerland on an amazing adventure. Tickets to Broadway sensation, Hamilton; a stay at Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps; and exclusive Chopard Jewelry events in Geneva are part of this whirlwind trip.
Excited for this year’s incredible auction selection, co-chair of the 2017 Festival, Brian Cobb says, “We are thrilled to provide yet another year of wine, travel, and luxury experiences available nowhere else in the world. It’s a pleasure to work with such creative, dedicated donors who meet our guests’ high standards while also selflessly contributing to the wellbeing of local children in need.”
If these example auction packages have peaked your interest, don’t forget to reserve your spot as the event is limited to 580 guests. Tickets to the Naples Winter Wine Festival start at $10,000 per couple, with a $25,000 option that includes reserved seating for a party of four at a vintner dinner and under the tent. To inquire about tickets to the Festival, please contact Barrett Farmer at barrett@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.
For information regarding the event or the Naples Children & Education Foundation,
please visit Napleswinefestival.com.
