The 23rd annual Naples Winter Wine Festival raised a record-breaking amount of nearly $26 million from the live auction Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon.
The 50 luxurious auction lots included rare collections of some of the world’s most sought-after wines, exotic travel adventures, limited-edition cars and unique experiences. Every dollar raised under the auction tent funds the festival’s founding organization, Naples Children & Education Foundation, which seeks to transform the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children.
This year’s bids bring the total amount raised for NCEF to about $269 million since the wine festival’s inception in 2001. The proceeds support more than 50 community nonprofit organizations that have provided more than 300,000 local children with services and resources.
Here’s a recap of the winning bids and the auction lots this year.
Lot 1: An ode to Krug Clos du Mensil
Winning bid: $260,000
Two couples will experience a four-day trip to the heart of Champagne, France, and the fabled Krug Clos du Mesnil vineyard. They’ll have a visit and vertical tasting of Clos du Mesnil with a “in the middle of the vineyards” lunch experience. Chef Arnaud Lallement, of the Michelin three-star L’Assiette Champenoise, will prepare a private dinner, followed by a musical experience in the Krug Yurt. In addition, they will tour the city of Reims and take a hot air balloon ride over the Champagne region. Each couple will also take home a trio of three-bottle sets of Krug “Soloist to Orchestra” in 2003, 2006 and 2008 (one in each vintage of Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs, Krug and Krug Grande Cuvée).
Lot 2: King of the road and prince of the cellar
Winning bid: $480,000
The winner of this lot will be the owner of a completely restored 1968 Vintage Ford Bronco, with a new steel body finished in Naples Cabernet Reserve Red and a custom oak leather interior with diamond stitching. The Bronco features a 302 V8 engine with electronic fuel injection, power steering, 33-inch tires with chrome wheels, power running boards and retro sound audio with Bluetooth and subwoofer. In addition, the winner will receive a collection of 25 large format bottles from each of the 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival’s participating vintners, including magnums of 2009 Château Mouton Rothschild, 2010 Bodega Numanthia Termanthia, 2013 Bond St. Eden and a 4.5-liter bottle of 1994 Grahams Single Harvest Tawny Port.
Lot 3: Test your vintner’s palate at The Napa Valley Reserve
Winning bid: $180,000
A couple’s dream of becoming a vintner instantly comes true with this lot with a one-year membership to The Napa Valley Reserve, along with six cases of its personal The Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit the winery, work the harvest and get involved in blending. The winning couple and two guests will be overseen by Managing Director Phillip Norfleet, who will host their party for a private dinner, provide vineyard tours and tastings and arrange a visit to Wing & Barrel Ranch and Mayacama Golf Club. Accommodations at Meadowood Napa Valley and dinner at The French Laundry will round out this experience.
Lot 4: Romantic Riviera Maya, serene San Miguel
Winning bid: $280,000
Two couples will travel to Mexico for a six-night escape at two of Belmond’s luxury resorts. They’ll begin their week at the Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, 30 miles south of Cancun, vacationing on white, sandy beaches. They’ll spend the second half of their Mexican vacation at Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Miguel de Allende. At Cuna de Tierra, the region’s first winery, they’ll dine on local specialties paired with wines, followed by a visit to the Torre de Tierra viewpoint for some breathtaking views and a horse ride through the countryside followed by an authentic ranch comida.
Lot 5: Wine, wellness and the Willamette Valley
Winning bid: $280,000
Three couples will experience an inside view of the finest Oregon Pinot Noir at the properties of Jackson Family Wines, coupled with an immersion into the wellness lifestyle of Canyon Ranch. Their home base in Oregon will be WillaKenzie Estate for four nights, where they’ll participate in a blending session, sample farm-to-table cuisine, tour Gran Moraine and Zena Crown Vineyard and learn from winemakers and valley pioneers. From there, they’ll spend three nights at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, where they’ll work with an adviser to determine their personal path to wellness. Each couple will receive a horizontal set of single vineyard 2017 Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir in 3-liter format, along with six 750ml bottles of Gran Moraine Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine.
Lot 6: Cuvée: Hidden Tuscan treasure
Winning bid: $320,000
Four couples will spend five nights in Cuvée’s Tuscan Farmhouse estate tucked among the vineyards of Italy’s Chianti region. The Farmhouse features king suites with ensuite, spa-like bathrooms, an infinity pool surrounded by vines and olive groves, a bocce court, a courtyard with a wood-burning pizza oven, wine cave and views of a medieval castle. They’ll enjoy a private lunch and wine tasting at Tenuta Casanova winery and organic farm, learn farm-to-table pizza making and pursue a private truffle hunt followed by a Tuscan lunch.
Lot 7: Rediscover Europe in 16 days
Winning bid: $280,000
Lot 8: Château Mouton Rothschild: Where the elegance of wine and art meet
Winning bid: $550,000
Two couples will share a four-night journey, with an exclusive experience at Château Mouton Rothschild and insider access in Paris. They’ll travel to the Médoc for the intimate unveiling of the 2021 Château Mouton Rothschild label in the presence of the artwork’s internationally renowned artist and the Rothschild Family, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner at the First Growth estate, on Nov. 30. They’ll also have a private tour of the Paintings for the Labels exhibition at the property. In Paris, private tours will be organized for both the Musée d’Orsay and the Château de Versailles—including the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Apartments. In addition, the winner will receive a 5-liter Jeroboam of the legendary 2000 vintage, plus a 5-liter Jeroboam of the 2021 vintage when it is released.
Lot 9: Golfing on the Boothbay Peninsula
Winning bid: $200,000
Four couples will experience seven days of Maine’s Boothbay Peninsula and a world-class golf course. They will stay at the Boothbay Harbor Golf Club in a Golf Villa, including unlimited rounds of golf as well as activities such as tennis, pickleball and swimming in the heated saltwater pool. There will be a private cruise on a new 105-foot yacht outside of Boothbay Harbor to see lighthouses, seals and the secluded coast and go on an excursion to Camden. Before the trip, the gentlemen will be outfitted with golf slacks by Rickey of elevée Fine Clothing and the ladies will shop at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Lot 10: The secret to unforgettable cabernet
Winning bid: $180,000
Total raised thus far: $3.01 million
Two couples will have a six-night insider experience in California with Secret Door Winery. The trip begins with two nights in San Francisco and a full day tour with a visit to Toluma Farms & Tomales Farmstead Creamery and McEvoy Ranch. They will spend the following four nights at Solage Resort & Spa and have an insider experience into the California wine business including a tour and tasting with Donald Patz, an intimate dinner with the vintner and his wife, lunch with local grape growers and visits to top local wineries. The winners will receive an assortment of Secret Door’s unblended, vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lot 11: From the shores of the Caribbean to the hills of Napa
Winning bid: $400,000
Three couples will spend six nights with Knights Bridge. This trip includes three nights in a three-bedroom Tranquility Villa at Amanyara in Turks and Caicos with two dinners paired with Knights Bridge wines, one massage per person, a private snorkel trip and a yoga class. Afterward, the winners will enjoy three nights at the Knights Bridge residence in Knights Valley, California, where they’ll have a tour and tasting with the Baileys followed by an intimate dinner in the wine cellar, as well as a dining experience at the award-winning Cyrus by Chef Douglas Keane. The winners will take home four Jeroboams of vineyard-designated Knights Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon, etched.
Lot 12: Rediscover the American West in luxury and style
Winning bid: $330,000
Four couples will have exclusive use of TERRA farm + manor outside Prescott, Arizona, for a four-day weekend ranch escape. Meals will be prepared by Chef James Porter and Chef Beau MacMillan; guests will have cooking classes with the chefs and a wine tasting and food sensory class with winemaker Dan Kosta of DK Wine Group. Nightly performances will feature award-winning songwriter D. Vincent Williams and The Nashville All-Stars.
Lot 13: The art of craftsmanship in timepieces and wine
Winning bid: $320,000
Two couples will receive a behind-the-scenes view of both the Peter Michael estate and the Blancpain design process. They’ll begin in Knights Valley, where they’ll spend four nights in the Peter Michael Main House and receive tours, tastings and private dinners. Their four nights in Vevey, Switzerland, will include a stay in Suites at the five-star Hôtel des Trois Couronnes, a private cooking class with Chef Franck Giovannini at the Michelin three-starred Restaurant Hôtel de Ville, as well as consultations with the Blancpain artist who will create the engraved, custom images for the two Fifty Fathoms timepieces included in this lot. The winners will also receive a highly prized vertical of Point Rouge Estate Chardonnay Jeroboams and an exclusive magnum bottle of the one-time release of Chapeau Blanc, a single block Cabernet Franc.
Lot 14: Venerable Spanish vineyard and a 100-point-jewel at Bodega Numanthia
Winning bid: $340,000
Two couples will receive an inside view of one of Spain’s great wine estates for six nights while staying at The Madrid EDITION. They will dine with Bodega Numanthia CEO Lucas Löwi, have a private guided tour of the centenary vineyards with vineyard manager Alejandro Vicente and experience a private vertical tasting with technical director Jesús Jiménez. This lot includes a magnum vertical of Numanthia from 2000-2011, two magnums of 2011 Termanthia and two magnums of Termanthia Ipse signed by Lucas Löwi.
Lot 15: Going for the gold
Winning bid: $420,000
Two couples will spend six nights at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games from July 25 to July 31, 2024. Their week will begin with a half-day guided tour of the city of Paris, followed by four tickets to the Opening Ceremony, plus swimming, artistic gymnastics and diving sessions, and a meal at Le Coq & Fils with accommodations in Champs-Elysees View rooms at the Paris Marriott. In Naples, they’ll have dinner with Olympic medalist Katie Hoff, prepared by a private chef and served with wines, hosted by NCEF Trustees Nena & Bill Beynon in their home.
Lot 16: From Venice to Villa della Torre
Winning bid: $320,000
Two couples will enjoy the romance of Venice and Verona on a seven-day trip to Italy. During their three nights in Venice, they will experience the city’s cultural highlights: a private, guided tour of Basilica di San Marco, a performance at Teatro La Fenice and a private tour of Doge’s Palace in Palazzo Ducale. Transferring to Valpolicella, they’ll stay at the restored 16th century Villa della Torre for four nights, home to the Allegrini winery. In between an exploration of the Allegrini vineyards and a vertical tasting of their Amarone, they’ll take a full-day excursion to Lake Garda, a cooking class with Marilisa Allegrini and dinner at Michelin two-starred Casa Perbellini. This lot includes four magnums.
Lot 17: A timeless toast to Portugal’s Sweet Success
Winning bid: $575,000
Two couples will explore the famous high points of Portugal with world renowned Ports followed by a tranquil island escape during this six-night stay. They’ll spend a night in Porto where they’ll be received in the Symington Family Estates’ private dining room and have a tour and tasting in the cellars. In Douro, they’ll spend a night at each of the family’s private houses at both Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim and tour the vineyards with a winemaker. Their final three nights will be spent luxuriating on Madeira in Junior Suites at Belmond’s Reid’s Palace, their home base as they explore the island and sample their famous sweet wines. The winner will receive a Bicentenary Collection Cabinet filled with a collection of Graham’s vintage Port and vintage-dated tawny.
Lot 18: Let the music play
Winning bid: $320,000
Three couples will be experience a steel guitar engagement with front-row seats to BottleRock, Napa Valley’s premier music event, with Gargiulo Vineyards. They will enjoy VIP treatment: Platinum passes for three consecutive days and exclusive access to the Platinum Lounge featuring chef-prepared dishes, artisanal cocktails and craft beer. Their party will spend seven nights at the Knoll, the private guest house at Gargiulo Vineyards with sweeping views of the valley. They’ll have a dinner party and concert at Gargiulo Vineyards with a BottleRock performer, enjoy a curated day of tastings at estate wineries and dine at the Michelin three-starred The French Laundry. Each couple will receive a Jeroboam of 2019 Gargiulo Cabernet Sauvignons from the OVX, Money Road and OVX G Major Study designated vineyards.
Lot 19: A magical journey through Great Britain and Ireland
Winning bid: $340,000
Two couples will enjoy 10 nights of golf and culture throughout the U.K., including The British Open. Their journey begins in Limerick, where they’ll stay at Adare Manor and play a round at both the Manor and Ballybunion, along with a full day cruise on Lough Derg. In Liverpool, they’ll have an exclusive buyout of 2 Blackburne Terrace and be treated to Engraver’s Hospitality tickets to The Open for two consecutive days. During their stay in Cliveden, they’ll experience a private Changing of the Guard at Wellington Barracks, a private behind the glass tour of the Churchill War Rooms and a guided tour of Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel. They’ll dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and have lunch with a wine expert and a gallery visit arranged by NWWF auctioneer Humphrey Butler.
Lot 20: Fine wines and fast cars
Winning bid: $140,000
Two couples will enjoy an five-day immersion into Sonoma and NASCAR, experiencing wine dinners, tours, tastings and access to the Sonoma racetrack while staying at the Cornell Vineyard estate home. The winners will receive VIP Hot Passes to the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Sonoma Raceway on June 10, 2023 and the NASCAR Cup Series on June 11, 2023 with unlimited pit and garage access, pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions, the opportunity to watch the national anthem on the track and view the race from the ground level, plus a meet and greet with a Stewart-Haas driver. During a visit to Adobe Road Winery, they’ll meet driver-turned-vintner Kevin Buckler, tour his winery and dine with the Bucklers in their home. The winning bidders will also take home an assortment of the best Adobe Road wines, in 750ml and magnum formats.
Lot 21: Antinori: Legacy of greatness
Winning bid: $1 million
Two couples will embark on a seven-night exploration of the renowned Antinori wine estates. They’ll begin with two nights in Florence in the Apartment Suite at Palazzo Antinori, have a private tour of the Uffizi Gallery and dine at the city’s oldest and finest restaurants. Their home in Chianti Classico for two nights will be Tenuta Tignanello as they’ll explore both Tignanello and Badia a Passignano and visit the Michelin-starred Osteria di Passignano. They’ll travel by helicopter to Guado al Tasso, where they’ll sleep for two nights in the guest house and tour the vineyards. A final helicopter ride will take them to Castello della Sala for their final night at Antinori’s famed Chardonnay estate. This lot also includes two Jeroboams and three magnums of top Antinori wines.
Lot 22: Hunting, fishing and luxuriating in Argentina
Winning bid: $420,000
Four individuals will experience a week of hunting and fishing in Argentina. Their adventure begins with a night in a five-star hotel in Buenos Aires with a lunch sampling at Belisario Roldán, paired with the wines of Bodega Catena Zapata. They will spend three nights at Santiago del Estero Lodge in Northern Argentina, where David Denies has raised dove hunting to a fine art. Their shooting day will include a break for an asado lunch, featuring the country’s beef and wines. From there, they’ll move to Suindá Lodge for three nights on the southern side of the Paraná River to fish for dorado, pirá pitá and pacú. In addition, the winning bidders’ party will take home an assortment of wines including two Jeroboams, 12 magnums and 36 750ml bottles from Bodega Catena Zapata.
Lot 23: From the Great Smoky Mountains to Pritchard Hill
Winning bid: $400,000
Three couples will experience six nights at Tennessee’s luxurious Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, coupled with an in-depth view of Bryant Estate. They’ll stay for three nights at Blackberry Farm, accompanied by Bettina Bryant. Experience a private dinner in The Barn prepared by executive chef Cassidee Dabney and a wine-paired dinner hosted by Bryant, plus enjoy one activity per day. They’ll then stay at Blackberry Mountain for three additional nights, where they’ll enjoy a cocktail class and sound bathing meditation. In Napa, the winners will enjoy a dinner with Bryant in her home as well as tour the Bryant Estate winery and two other wineries. Each couple will receive a trio of the Bryant Estate wines, along with a magnum of the blended 2019 Bettina Limited Edition Artist Series.
Lot 24: The glories of Piedmont and Lombardy
Winning bid: $1 million
Two couples will experience Northern Italy in three different locales, guided by Shari and Garen Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyards, for seven nights. Beginning in Lake Como, they’ll spend two nights at a five-star hotel, dine in leading restaurants and take a private boat tour on the lake. In Barolo, they’ll spend three nights and have exclusive winery visits and insider’s access to winemakers, along with a white truffle hunt and dinners accompanied by the Staglins. They’ll then enjoy Milan for two nights at Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa. They will have a private insider tour of top spots and an immersive experience at Casa Pomellato. Each couple will receive a vertical of Staglin Family Vineyard Stagliano Estate Sangiovese from the 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages, in etched magnum bottles.
Lot 25: Diamonds are forever
Winning bid: $300,000
The winning couple will attend the exclusive launch of the Chanel 2023 High Jewelry Collection in London from June 9 to June 13, 2023, including exclusive access to Chanel’s black-tie gala dinner and the opportunity to be the first to view and purchase from the High Jewelry Collection in this never before offered location. Unique and custom-designed activities will be based on the winning bidders’ preferences and planned with the Chanel team.
Lot 26: From Croatia, with love
Winning bid: $400,000
Two couples will celebrate Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s 100th birthday on a 10-day journey. His daughter Violet will escort the winners to Croatia and Paris, featuring the high points of his life. Starting in Dubrovnik, the winners will tour the Dalmatian Coast and stop at Desne, the village where Grgich was born; they’ll also visit Grgić Vina Winery. From there they’ll travel to Paris, site of the 1976 tasting that revolutionized the world of wine when Grgich’s Chateau Montelena Chardonnay defeated the great white Burgundies. Spend two nights at the five-star Le Meurice in Paris which will be highlighted by dinner at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant. The trip will culminate with two nights in Napa at Meadowood from May 19-21, 2023 where the winners will attend Grgich’s birthday bash at the Grgich Hills Winery in Rutherford.
Lot 27: Down the stretch and beyond: From Churchill Downs to Lexington
Winning bid: $380,000
Two couples will experience an immersion into the world of Kentucky horse country from May 4-12, 2023, including an insider’s view of the 149th Kentucky Derby. They’ll watch the race (and Friday’s Kentucky Oaks) from The Mansion at Churchill Downs. While in Louisville, they’ll have tours of both Maker’s Mark and Beam Suntory. They’ll then move on to Lexington, where their party will have private use of the Stonegate Farm residence for five nights. Thoroughbred champions await them in Lexington: Curlin at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa and Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra at Stonestreet Farm.
Lot 28: A BOND with the great Vineyards of Napa
Winning bid: $280,000
Three couples will have access to BOND for two nights while staying at five-star Relais & Châteaux Meadowood Napa Valley, including a private tour of the facility and a wine-paired luncheon prepared by Michelin-starred chef Christopher Kostow and hosted by Master Sommelier Max Kast, director of BOND, along with a member of the Harlan family. This lot also includes five rare Jeroboam bottles, one each from the 2014 release from each BOND vineyard.
Lot 29: Wind in your hair, sand in your toes
Winning bid: $420,000
Three couples will join hosts Mimi and Doug Traina for an seven-day yacht excursion aboard the 164-foot M/Y Ocean Club in the Bahamas. The yacht features spacious staterooms with king beds, a formal dining space and wine room, a sun deck with jacuzzi and cocktail bar and an experienced crew of 10. Onboard meals will be prepared by a private chef with all wines chosen by the Trainas. The Ocean Club carries a full complement of toys: a 40-foot Formula 400 Sport Crossover tender, 19-foot Williams Jet Boat, Yamaha VX WaveRunners, a three-story waterslide, Seabobs, paddleboards and kayaks, along with waterskiing equipment, snorkeling and fishing gear. The yacht’s size will allow the winners to visit exotic and undiscovered destinations such as the Exuma Islands, Pig Beach, Iguana Beach and Thunderball Grotto.
Lot 30: All that glitters is gold
Winning bid: $280,000
Two couples will spend seven nights exposed to the best in Italian luxury, fashion and wine. They’ll begin in Rome with two nights at five-star Hotel Eden, enjoying a private gem table experience and visit to DOMVS, the BVLGARI boutique at Via Condotti 10. They’ll then travel to Tuscany for a two-night stay at Il Borro, the estate and winery owned by the Ferragamo Family with a vineyard tour and dinner at Osteria del Borro. They’ll spend a night at five-star Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat with lunch and a visit to Podernuovo a Palazzone. The odyssey will culminate with two nights in Milan at BVLGARI Hotel Milano, where they’ll tour the city and dine at a top restaurant of their choice. A Magnum of 2018 Il Borro IGT Toscana Red Wine, signed by Salvatore Ferragamo, is included.
Lot 31: Rosé to the occasion with Château d’Estoublon
Winning bid: $480,000
Two couples will embark on a six-night voyage into France. Spend two nights in Paris at Espirit Saint Germain, travel by train to Nancy for a private experience at the Daum factory and tour the Musée des Beaux-Arts. They’ll go to Versailles for a night stay at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle with a guided tour of the Hall of Mirrors and Orangerie Gardens, followed by a private dinner by chef Alain Ducasse in Marie-Antoinette’s Cabinet. Spend two nights at the Airelles Château d’Estoublon, where former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, will host them for dinner in their private salon. They will spend a final night at Airelles, La Bastide de Gordes, Palace with afternoon tea and macarons at Ladurée and dinner at Clover Gordes. This lot also includes a Daum Gingko magnum.
Lot 32: Million Dollar Meal… All for the Kids
Winning bid: $1 million
Forty couples will contribute $25,000 each for an exclusive dinner at Butcher Private in Naples on Nov. 28. The evening will begin with a cocktail and wine reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant, multicourse meal paired with the finest wines from around the world.
Lot 33: Escape to a Caribbean masterpiece with Cuvée
Winning bid: $650,000
Four couples will spend five nights at Vue de Rêves, Cuvée’s ultra-luxury villa on St. Barths. Accommodations include five Master Suites on four different levels, a walk-in wine cave, sprawling infinity pool and a panoramic view of Baie de St. Jean. The couples will enjoy dinner prepared by Cuvée’s private chef Christophe Moreau, served with French Champagnes and Grand Cru wines. Spend a day aboard a 50-foot catamaran for sailing, snorkeling and exploring at Nikki Beach, cavorting on seabobs and feasting on Mediterranean cuisine and Rosé.
Lot 34: Portugal Dreams: From the capital to the vineyard
Winning bid: $380,000
Two couples will experience a seven-night journey to explore the culture of Portugal and beauty of its wine country. Beginning in Lisbon, they’ll have a full day tour of Sintra, Estoril and Cascais, plus an evening fado show and a traditional Portuguese dinner. In Porto, they’ll receive an immersion into the region’s sweet wines: a guided tour and tasting in a private room at Taylor’s Port Lodge, a private wine tasting at Kopke Wine House and an exclusive private tour and Port tasting at W. & J. Graham’s. Moving on to the Douro, they’ll have private tours and tastings at Quinta do Crasto and Quinta do Noval with proprietors or winemakers and a cruise in a rabelo to Quinta de São José, followed by a wine tasting. The winners will receive a vertical collection of Gandona Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from 2013 through 2017, in magnums.
Lot 35: Enchantment and romance in Tahiti
Winning bid: $350,000
One couple will indulge in a 10-night romantic Tahitian escape, including sailing along the Leeward Islands and a stay on a private island in the beautiful atoll of Tetiaroa. After arriving in French Polynesia, they’ll board the 75-foot M/Y Miss Kulani for a cruise on the Faaroa River and Taputapuātea and enjoy chef-prepared meals in between snorkeling in the Bora Bora lagoon. On Tetiaroa, they’ll relax in a Beachfront Villa at The Brando, complete with a private oceanfront pool; activities will include kayak adventures, bird tours and daily massages. They’ll be able to relive their Tahitian adventure every time they look at your sculpture from Cocoon Gallery, a hand-carved bleached root system from a single structure.
Lot 36: Renowned Burgundy, up close and personal
Winning bid: $400,000
Four individuals will spend a memorable six nights at the historic estate of Château de la Crée in Santenay, France. Their party will have accommodations and exclusive use of both the château and Domaine Evenstad’s newly renovated Grande Maison. They’ll have a tour and tasting in three of the Château de la Crée vineyards, followed by an intimate lunch in the vineyard outside the château; on another day, they’ll receive a private tour of Domaine Evenstad’s winery, with a barrel tasting in the caves. Culinary high points include lunch at La Table de Léonce with wine tasting in a private dining room at Clos de Vougeot and dinner at Michelin three-starred Maison Lameloise. Each traveler will receive a selection of Magnums and 750ml bottles of wines from Château de la Crée, Maison Evenstad and Domaine Evenstad labels.
Lot 37: At the intersection of wine, art and supercars
Winning bid: $240,000
One couple is invited to join Robb Report’s 3rd annual California Coastal Road Rally in a Bentley S or Speed derivative from Napa Valley to Pebble Beach, encompassing five days of luxury accommodations, world-class dining and amplified by the Aperture and Devil Proof wines of Jesse Katz. They’ll assemble at the Carneros Resort & Spa and drive south to Pebble Beach, stopping along the way at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. As they gather for the final evening’s closing night celebration, they’re only halfway through their trip: They’ll spend seven nights in one of Exclusive Resorts’ four-bedroom private residences in either Los Cabos, Mexico, or Lake Tahoe, California with best-in-class amenities such as chef-grade kitchens, private infinity-edge pools and expansive outdoor gathering spaces. In addition, they’ll take home a full case of wine from Aperture and Devil Proof.
Lot 38: One dream machine, one extraordinary journey
Winning bid: $1 million
The winning bidder will receive the ultimate in automotive refinement: a 2023 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure including Snow Quartz exterior and Mulliner white hide with Amethyst accent hide. And if that isn’t enough, the winning couple will take an extraordinary journey through the U.K. with Bentley and The Macallan. The odyssey begins with two nights at five-star The Lanesborough London where they’ll enjoy private tours of top sights. Spend three additional nights driving a Bentley car through the countryside with unique stays and experiences along the way, including a Bentley factory tour and “Dine on the Line” fine dining experience and finishing the journey at The Macallan Estate and Distillery in Craigellachie, Scotland.
Lot 39: Jewels of the east and wines of the west
Winning bid: $450,000
Two couples will spend four nights in Seoul, South Korea and three nights in Napa Valley with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Dana Estates, one of Napa’s most desirable boutique wineries. The immersion into South Korean culture includes a private tour of the city, golf, Michelin-starred meals and dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee, with rare New and Old World wines from Mr. Lee’s personal cellar. In Napa Valley, they’ll spend three nights at Dana Estates’ Crystal House, featuring a chef’s kitchen, swimming pool, fireplace, expansive lounging spaces and sweeping views. They’ll play rounds at Mayacama Golf Club and Silverado Resort and have a private tour and wine-paired dinner at the Dana Estates winery hosted by the Lee Family.
Lot 40: Find your Oasis at Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda
Winning bid: $460,000
Four couples will enjoy five nights at The Beach House at the magnificent and secluded, Oil Nut Bay on the northeast coast of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. The Beach House features six bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms, oversized living spaces, full gourmet kitchen, dining area and an outdoor terrace with large infinity pool and direct path to the beach. Activities include guided snorkeling in the bay, a guided hike to nearby Pajaros Point, a private half-day fishing excursion and a private two-hour sunset cruise around North Sound. They’ll have the opportunity to try the restaurants at Oil Nut Bay and have one in-villa dining meal each day with a private chef and server.
Lot 41: Live like a local in the Napa Valley
Winning bid: $320,000
Two couples will transcend being tourists in the Napa Valley and become residents for a month. Their home for 30 nights will be vintner Cliff Lede’s Beautiful Day estate, containing four bedrooms, contemporary kitchen, living room with fireplace, wooden deck with lounging space and views of the vineyard and mountains. The house will be provisioned with 12 bottles of wine from Cliff Lede Vineyards and FEL, his property devoted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Excursions include a hot air balloon ride over Napa, dinner hosted by Cliff Lede in his home and dinner with paired wines at the Michelin three-starred The French Laundry. In addition, they’ll have an Aston Martin DBX to drive for 14 days.
Lot 42: La Dolce Vita, Piccini and Monteverdi Style
Winning bid: $380,000
Two couples will spend nine nights in Italy experiencing the best in food, wine and super cars with Fratelli Piccini CEO Elisa Piccini and Monteverdi Tuscany. They’ll begin with four nights in Florence with private tours of the Uffizi Gallery and Museo Marino Marini, a private dinner at Fratelli Piccinni and a Mugello Circuit driving experience, then hop into a Ferrari or Lamborghini for the drive to Maremma. They’ll spend two nights in Maremma enjoying some of Italy’s leading wineries including Ornellaia, Castello di Ama and Le Mortelle. Travel to Monteverdi Tuscany for three nights in the three-bedroom Villa Amiata and partake in a private tour of Nicola Bulgari’s antique car collection, followed by a tour of the Tuscan countryside in two of his convertibles. This lot includes a Methuselah and Jeroboam of Gemstone Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lot 43: Where the wild things are
Winning bid: $480,000
Two couples will experience the wonders of Africa in an unforgettable 11-day safari to in supreme comfort. They’ll begin at the Singita Sweni Lodge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where they’ll have twice-daily game drives and walking safaris with experienced trackers and guides. From there they’ll travel to Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where they’ll explore the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and participate in camp activities such as nature walks, catch and release fishing and boating. They’ll have a behind-the-scenes experience with an African Parks Ranger, planned with help from NCEF Lifetime Trustee Dave Gibbons. The adventure will conclude at Shumba Camp in Kafue National Park, Zambia, with bird watching, star gazing and night game drives.
Lot 44: Red wine and red carpet
Winning bid: $300,000
Lot 45: An epic journey to two hemispheres
Winning bid: $480,000
Two couples will experience a nine-night ultimate expedition to Australia and California wine countries with Penfolds. The journey begins with three nights in Adelaide, with a twilight tour of Penfolds Magill Estates and dinner; they’ll also have private tours of Deviation Road and Wirra Wirra Vineyards, dine in the city’s finest restaurants and explore the coastline. Spend two nights in Marananga with visits to The Standish Wine Company and Eden Valley, before traveling to Sydney for two nights at the Park Hyatt with private tours of Sydney Opera House, the Harbor and the Fish Market. The odyssey will culminate at Penfolds’ 1913 Private Arts & Crafts residence in Napa for two nights, where they’ll sample Penfolds most famous wines. This lot also includes 12 750ml assorted bottles of Penfolds wines.
Lot 46: Million dollar night of laughter for the Kids
Winning bid: $1 million
Forty couples will enjoy an evening of comedy featuring best-selling author, actor and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco at The Club Room at Campiello in Naples in fall 2023. Maniscalco has set records for sold-out arena shows across the country, and seldom performs in small venues. The evening’s refreshments will include passed hors d’oeurves, cocktails and wines.
Lot 47: The view from the Hermitage Hill
Winning bid: $320,000
Two couples will indulge in a six-night epicurean journey in France with an introduction to one of France’s most talented young winemakers, Caroline Frey. Spend two nights in Paris at Le Bristol, followed by a trip to the Médoc, with two nights and exclusive use of Château La Lagune, with tours, tastings and dinner in the building’s iconic castle dining room. Moving to the Loire, they’ll spend two nights at Relais & Châteaux Les Maisons and dine at the Michelin three-starred Restaurant Régis & Jacques Marcon, plus have a private cooking class with Chef Jacques. They’ll spend a day at the crown jewel of the Frey Family’s wine empire: the estate of Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Each couple will receive a magnum of 2010 Hermitage La Chapelle from Paul Jaboulet Aîné.
Lot 48: Luxury wine on land, sweet sailing by sea
Winning bid: $320,000
One couple will enjoy a 14-day voyage aboard The World, a unique vessel that combines all the attributes of a mega yacht and a luxury vacation home. Before that, they’ll have a close-up introduction to one of Napa’s most exciting new boutique wineries: They’ll spend two nights at L.A.’s iconic Sunset Tower and have a private dinner with Kashy Khaledi, proprietor of Ashes & Diamonds, at the exclusive San Vincente Bungalows. Their time on The World will be spent in a luxurious two-bedroom residence with every possible amenity. A private chef will come to their residence and prepare a meal according to their preferences, and they’ll explore the ship’s extensive wine cellar in a vertical wine tasting with The World’s sommelier. In addition, the winning bidder will receive seven bottles of Ashes & Diamonds wines from the 2018 and 2019 vintages in rare magnum format.
Lot 49: Preparing for a limitless future
Winning bid: $280,000
Experience the best of Naples while the winners eagerly await the upcoming 2024 NWWF. This lot includes a Jeroboam package with access to the Grand Crew Party, Meet the Kids Day, Vintner Dinner, Auction, Wine Down and Sunday Celebration Brunch, while staying for three nights in Resort View rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. Between now and then, they’ll play a round of golf at the exclusive Calusa Pines Golf Club and become eco-conscious driving your 2022 Moke LSV and riding their two RadCity Plus 5 electric bikes. Gentlemen will receive $5,000 credits at élevée Fine Clothing, while ladies will have $2,500 gift certificates toward a custom piece of jewelry at International Diamond Center. For the auction table, the winning bidders will receive a mixed case of six 2006 Dominus Estate and six 2012 Williams Selyem Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Lot 50: Fund a need: Healthy mind, body & soul
Winning bid: more than $3 million
Everyone who bids on this lot will be a winner, and the biggest winners will be the underserved children of Collier County. Help is needed to support NCEF’s Healthcare Initiatives: Healthcare, Mental Health, Oral Health and Vision. Every paddle holder has the opportunity to drop one (or more) of their signed cards into the bucket provided by volunteers as they move from table to table through the tent. All donations will go directly to support health care initiatives to focus on the future of Collier County’s children.