The Naples Winter Wine Festival is an annual, multi-day charity event that has been held in Naples, Florida since 2001. This festival is the main fundraiser for the Naples Children & Education Foundation and features world-class wine and food, renowned chefs and sommeliers, and a live auction. The festival is ranked among the most prestigious charity wine auctions in the world and is one of the top entertainment and arts events for wealthy Americans.
The Heart of the Festival: The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF)
The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) is a non-profit organization based in Naples, Florida. This foundation was established in 2000 with a mission to support children in Collier County. NCEF aims to make a difference in the quality of children's lives by giving financial assistance to charitable programs that enhance the emotional, physical, and educational lives of at-risk and underprivileged children.
To help fund the foundation's operations and programs, NCEF founders started the Naples Winter Wine Festival. The fundraiser has generated almost $270 million for the foundation, and last year’s auction raised a record-breaking $26 million. The festival's proceeds have supported about 90 non-profit organizations and changed the lives of more than 300,000 local children.
2024 Event Schedule and Highlights
The 2024 edition of the festival will take place January 26th - 28th at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. The event, themed "Generosity in Full Bloom," promises to be a memorable affair. Here is the schedule of events:
Wine Down, Bid Up! Online Auction
The online auction will feature a wide range of treasures including rare wine lots, curated winery packages, and exclusive travel experiences. There will also be special offerings from local businesses.
The Vintage Cellar
This exclusive event, which will be held on January 25th, is limited to 40 tickets. Attendees will get a chance to sample wines from around the world followed by a delightful luncheon.
Meet the Kids Day
January 26th is the day to witness the direct impact of the fundraiser firsthand. Learn more about the organizations that receive NCEF grants, meet the children who have benefited, see the success stories, and, finally, taste fabulous wines by acclaimed vintners at a luncheon.
Dinners
Festival Trustees will host dinners in private Naples homes on January 26th. These intimate dinners are an opportunity to meet award-winning chefs and celebrated vintners. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact and build relationships with other food and wine enthusiasts.
Live Auction
The live auction will occur on January 27th. Before the auction, take a culinary tour and enjoy exquisite cuisine and the finest wines. During the live auction, you can place bids on prestigious wines, travel packages, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Wine Down
After the live auction, indulge in more exceptional wines and great food as the generosity of the winning bidders is celebrated. Toast to the winners and dance to live music performances by Grammy-winning musicians.
Celebration Brunch
January 28th will mark the end of the festival. Before bidding friends farewell, enjoy a delicious brunch with the chefs, vintners, and event sponsors.
More Details
The 24th edition of the Naples Winter Wine Festival is bound to offer amazing experiences. Ticket packages run from $17,500 per couple for the Double Magnum Package and $40,000 for the Jeroboam Package.
Make sure you dress appropriately for the different events. The dress code is casual for Meet the Kids Day, resort casual for the Live Auction, come as you are for Wine Down, and resort casual for the Celebration Brunch.
Can’t attend the event? Make a donation here. Every donation counts, no matter the price, and trust that every generous act can change the lives of vulnerable children in Collier County.
The Moorings Park Foundation serves three different areas of opportunity: residents, partners, and the greater community. In 2023, $604,500 in grants were awarded to community organizations and educational institutions, and we hope to exceed this number in 2024. With a culture of philanthropy that reflects the individuals who reside here, Moorings Park Communities is Simply the Best®. Contact us today to schedule a private tour with a member of our sales team.
