With the theme of “Rise Up: Twenty Twenty Together,” attendees of this year’s Naples Winter Wine Festival truly rose up together and set another fundraising record over the weekend.
Following a day of live auction action, the Naples Children & Education Fund announced Sunday that it raised $22 million for underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County during its 22nd annual charity event, bringing the total raised to nearly $245 million since the local festival began in 2001. The weekend’s festivities included intimate dinners Friday night with visiting chefs and vintners at private homes in Naples and an auction Saturday afternoon in a luxurious tent at Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in North Naples. About 600 auction attendees bid on 43 lots of wine, jewelry, luxury automobiles, international trips and many other one-of-a-kind experiences.
Following a year when the pandemic kept people apart, this year’s event was the most successful ever, surpassing the record $20 million raised in 2020. An online auction for additional auction lots continues until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at nwwfonlineauction.com. NCEF will use the funds accumulated from this year’s event to award grants on March 14 to local organizations and fund strategic initiatives supporting local children in need.
4:48 p.m.
Lot 43: The Future Is Now
Winning bid: $400,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $17,700,000
The winner will experience the best of Naples while they eagerly await the upcoming 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival. A year-long membership to the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club and a round of golf at the private Calusa Pines Golf Club is just the start. The winners will also receive two $5,000 gift certificates to shop at Marissa Collections and two $5,000 credits toward a trouser, shirt and jacket at élevée Fine Clothing. Also included is a 2021 Moke, a 20th-century collectible car, to transport them around town in style. In addition, the winners will receive a 2023 NWWF Jeroboam package. They will have guaranteed access to the Thursday Grand Crew Party, Meet the Kids Day, Vintner Dinner, Live Auction, Wine Down and Sunday Celebration Brunch, while staying for three nights in resort view rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.
4:43 p.m.
Lot 42: The World at Your Door
Winning bid: $460,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $16,110,000
Two couples will spend 14 nights aboard The World, the most exclusive residential yacht on earth. The World has the only full-sized tennis court at sea, a 7,000-sqaure foot spa and fitness center, a wine cellar holding 16,000 bottles and a staff of 250 to service the ship’s 165 residences. They’ll enjoy massages at The World’s spa and wellness center, an in-residence dinner prepared by a private chef according to the winners’ preferences and one vertical wine tasting with the onboard sommelier. Their 1,100 square-foot suite will have every possible amenity, and they’ll have an itinerary of over 100 ports to choose from. The winning bidders will also take home 12 750-milliliter bottles of 2016 Bodega 202 Ansa.
4:37 p.m.
Lot 41: The View from the Dundee Hills
Winning bid: $360,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $15,650,000
Two couples will enjoy a four-night luxury wine experience in Oregon at the Domaine Serene Winery Hill House with a wide range of delights: a welcome tasting featuring rare library wines, a walk with Grace Evenstad through her extensive gardens, dinner with wine pairings at Domaine Serene Wine Lodge at Lake Oswego and their choice of either a private helicopter tour of the six Domaine Serene Vineyard Estates or a hot air balloon ride over Willamette Valley. Both couples will take home a 48-bottle assortment of top wines from both Domaine Serene and Château de la Crée, the Evenstad estate in Burgundy.
4:34 p.m.
Lot 40: Visions of Viñedos and Perfect Patagonia
Winning bid: $420,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $15,290,000
A seven-night South American wine and outdoor nature excursion is calling two couples. They’ll spend two nights at the Sheraton Miromar Hotel in Valparaiso, Chile, tour the city, enjoy decadent meals, plus immerse themselves in wine with a private tour, tasting and meal at both Seña and Don Maximiano Estate and Winery. They will stay a night at The Ritz-Carlton in Santiago and enjoy an intimate look into the Viñedo Chadwick estate with a private tour, tasting and lunch. Their journey continues with a flight to the bottom of the continent, in Torres Del Paine, Patagonia. They’ll enjoy the beauty of this untouched landscape at Relais & Châteaux Awasi, Patagonia where a private guide will customize outdoor excursions each day. They will remember theirtrip with a selection of large format bottles from each of the estates they visited.
4:28 p.m.
Lot 39: Priceless Jewels and Timeless Watches
Winning bid: $140,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $14,870,000
Three exciting nights in New York City in September of 2022 with VIP access to Chopard’s most anticipated international event wait for the winning bidder. A HondaJet Elite via Jet It will whisk two couples from Naples to New York City, where they will find themselves in a five-star hotel. A private viewing of Chopard’s newest Red Carpet Collection, a private tour of the Chopard New York City boutique, a preview of the special collections for the grand opening and access to the ribbon cutting ceremony with the Scheufele family can’t be missed. Along with insider access, they’ll enjoy orchestra seats at a top Broadway show and fine food at a five-star fine dining restaurant in the heart of Manhattan.
4:23 p.m.
Lot 38: Regal Ranch Retreat featuring Colgin Cellars
Winning bid: $340,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $14,730,000
A private jet will transport two couples to the high desert of Wyoming, where their five-star Relais & Château retreat is a working cattle ranch. Activities such as horseback riding, hiking and trail running, mountain biking and fly fishing will be augmented by two dinners with Master Sommelier Paul Roberts, COO of Colgin Cellars. Paul will guide them through the graceful and profound wines of Colgin Cellars, a world-renowned winery ensconced in the hills overlooking Napa Valley, named one of the fifty greatest wine estates in the world by Robert Parker Jr. The winning bidder will take home 4 double magnum bottles, including one each of the 2012 Colgin Tychson Hill, Cariad, IX Estate and IX Estate Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon.
4:20 p.m.
Lot 37: An Escape to Paradise on the Virgin Gorda
Winning bid: $340,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $14,390,000
The winning bidder will experience Oil Nut Bay, spread over 400 acres on the northeast coast of Virgin Gorda. Four couples will spend five nights in the serenity of The Beach House, complete with a striking infinity pool, firepit with seating, oversized living spaces for lounging and entertaining and a private path leading directly to the beach. Amenities include a daily private chef and server, active pursuits such as hiking, snorkeling or watersports, sailing on a champagne cruise, relaxation in the spa or day trips to Joost Van Dyke or Cooper Island.
4:15 p.m.
Lot 36: In the Footsteps of the Antinori Family
Winning bid: $580,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $14,050,000
Two couples will take a six-night Italian excursion to visit the Antinori family estate. Their journey will begin with two nights’ accommodations in apartment suites in Florence at Palazzo Antinori, with dinners, lunch and a tour of the Uffizi Museum. They’ll then continue to the heart of Chianti Classico for a two-night stay at Tenuta Tignanello, home of the vineyards for both Tignanello and Solaia. In addition, they’ll enjoy tours, tasting and dinner at the Michelin-starred Osteria di Passignano. From there, they’ll travel via helicopter to Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast for a visit to the estate of Guado al Tasso for an evening. The trip concludes another helicopter ride to Umbria plus a tour, tasting and dinner at Castello della Sala. The winning bidder takes home three double magnums of Tignanello (2011, 2015 and 2017) and three magnums of Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore DOC (2012, 2014 and 2018).
4:10 p.m.
Lot 35: Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend
Winning bid: $220,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $13,220,000
One couple will journey to Paris for three nights to attend the exclusive launch of the 2022 Chanel High Jewelry Collection, attend the black-tie gala dinner, enjoy accommodations at a five-star hotel and have the opportunity to be the first to view and purchase items from the collection. They’ll walk in the footsteps of Coco Chanel with a private visit to the historic Chanel archives, an experience not available to the public. They’ll also have personal tours of 31 Rue Cambon, the private apartment of Coco Chanel and her Couture House where she worked and hosted influential artists of her time.
4:05 p.m.
Lot 34: Serenity and Enlightenment in Southeast Asia
Winning bid: $380,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $13,000,000
Two couples will embark on a 12-night luxury exploration of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. They’ll begin in Bangkok, with a tour of the Grand Palace, a visit to the temples of Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Seket and the opportunity to sample the best of the city’s street food. In Chiang Mai, they’ll spend time at an elephant sanctuary and learn how to interact with and care for the animals. They’ll cruise on the Mekong River to Pak Ou in Laos to see the caves that house more than 10,000 Buddha statues. At Siem Riep in Cambodia, they’ll visit Angkor Wat.
4:01 p.m.
Lot 33: How to be the Coolest Ride in Town
Winning bid: $600,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $12,620,000
The winning bidder now owns the 2021 Mercedes-AMG G63 and will take it for a spin on the open road, letting the nearly 600 horsepower run wild. This remarkable vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds, but safety hasn’t been sacrificed for speed: the 2021 G Class comes with four standard, state-of-the-art safety features. It also comes with a Diamond White Metallic exterior and Espresso Brown interior with the exclusive interior package, Bluetooth audio streaming and a 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system.
3:59 p.m.
Lot 32: Million Dollar Meal: All for the Kids
Winning bid: $1,000,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $12,020,000
Only 40 couples, which bid $25,000 apiece, will partake in the first Million Dollar Meal at Bleu Provence on Nov. 28 in Naples. After a cocktail and wine reception, a multi-course meal will be prepared by executive chef and owner Lysielle Cariot. Each course will highlight one of NCEF’s initiatives and will be paired with the finest wines carefully selected by Lysielle’s husband and co-owner, Jacques Cariot.
3:51 p.m.
Lot 31: Under the Tuscan Sun
Winning bid: $320,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $11,270,000
Two couples will enjoy a seven-night Italian getaway in Sienna and Montalcino. They’ll begin with a five-night stay in executive suites at the Relais Borgo Scopeto. Activities will include spa treatments, cooking classes and a private tour of the Borgo Scopeto winery in Chianti Classico. From there, they’ll travel to the northern hills of Montalcino and spend two nights at the Altesino Winery, tasting through the wines of Altesino. The winning bidders will each receive an extensive collection of wine from the Caparzo family in varying formats, including 2011 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino, 2004 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino La Casa, 2012 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino among others.
3:46 p.m.
Lot 30: Tundra & Turf
Winning bid: $240,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $10,950,000
Four couples, or eight people, will enjoy three days of world-class golf and football in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The winning bidders will stay at the Kohler Riverbend Mansion. Life will truly outshine the dream when they have the chance to play the Whistling Straits course, home to three PGA Championships and the 2020 Ryder Cup. After a day on the course, they’ll enjoy time on the turf with pregame field passes before watching a Packers home game with Shelley and Ralph Stayer in a private box overlooking the 45-yard line.
3:41 p.m.
Lot 29: Perfection in a Bottle
Winning bid: $550,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $10,710,000
The winning bidder now owns a 10-year vertical collection of Harlan Estate magnums from the 2000-2009 vintages, presented in a one-of-a-kind, hand-built cherrywood presentation case lined and French-fitted with fine billiard cloth and bound in four-ounce chestnut cowhide. The 2001, 2002 and 2007 vintages were rated a perfect 100 points by famed wine critic Robert Parker, Jr., and the scores of the other vintages in this collection follow close behind. The winning bidder will also have access to a private tour and tasting at Harlan Estate in Oakville, California, followed by an intimate lunch at the winery with the Harlan family and principals.
3:36 p.m.
Lot 28: The Serenity of Tuscany and the Jewels of Rome
Winning bid: $260,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $10,160,000
Three couples will take an eight-night journey to Italy beginning at Monteverdi Tuscany’s luxurious private villa, Amiata. They’ll spend five nights at the villa where they can enjoy the spa, culinary academy, gardens, gym, library and art gallery with artists in residence, in addition to stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They’ll participate in a cooking class with the chef and enjoy a wine tasting led by the in-house sommelier. From there they’ll travel to Rome for three nights, where they’ll stay in a five-star hotel and have a private gems table experience at the Bulgari High Jewelry workshop.
3:29 p.m.
Lot 27: A Day at the Races
Winning bid: $750,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $9,900,000
Three couples will be treated like kings and queens during a six-night Royal Ascot experience June 10-June 16. First, they’ll spend two nights at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge and indulge in the city’s high points: private shopping at Harrods, a tour of the Queen’s Household Cavalry Barracks, dining at the most exclusive London clubs and a meal at the Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. When the bugle sounds for the races, they’ll be seated in Barbara Banke’s private box in the Royal Enclosure. They’ll take home four Salmanazar bottles of wine from Lokoya’s 2018 vintage: one each of Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder and Spring Mountain.
3:18 p.m.
Lot 26: The Lagoon, the Capital and the Vineyard
Winning bid: $360,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $9,150,000
One couple will experience seven nights of European luxury. They’ll begin in Venice with a stay at the Hotel Aman on the Grand Canal for three evenings, tour the city in a private gondola and enjoy an excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano. Then they’ll board the fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and travel in a Grand Suite to Paris, where they’ll stay at La Réserve for two evenings and have lunch at the Michelin two-starred Le Gabriel. Their travels will take them to Bordeaux, where they’ll tour the Médoc and experience life at Château Cos d’Estournel for two nights. For their next party, they’ll take home a 12-liter bottle of 2014 Château Cos d’Estournel.
3:12 p.m.
Lot 25: Become an Honorary Parisian in the City of Light
Winning bid: $240,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $8,790,000
Two couples will spend 14 nights in a two-bedroom apartment on the Left Bank. Planned with their private concierge, their bespoke, customized itinerary can include VIP museum tours, workshop visits, world-class food and sightseeing of their choice. In addition, they will have a choice of either a day trip to Versailles or a profoundly moving day at the Normandy beaches. The winning bidder will also enjoy 1.5-liter, 3-liter and 6-liter bottles of 2018 Poetry, Cliff Lede’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon
3:08 p.m.
Lot 24: When Rêves Become Reality
Winning bid: $600,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $8,550,000
After Lot 23 was skipped, the winning bidder of Lot 24 set it up so four couples will spend five nights at Cuvée’s new villa, Vue de Rêves (View of Dreams), a private, ocean-hugging masterpiece in St. Barths with panoramic turquoise views and exquisite design. With five master en-suites on four different levels, the villa features thoughtful details and amenities, such as a wine cave carved into natural stone, a fire-meets-water infinity pool terrace and imported French fixtures. Activities include a private catamaran cruise with a private chef, a private cooking lesson at Eden Rock’s prestigious culinary school and an in-villa dinner prepared by Cuvée’s private chef.
3:02 p.m.
Lot 22: The Best of Cabernet & Country
Winning bid: $440,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $7,950,000
Two couples and up to 40 of their friends will enjoy a private dinner and acoustic performance by Academy of Country Music Award-winning singer-songwriters Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans at either the Silver Oak Winery in Alexander Valley, California or in Naples. Farm-to-table dinner will be prepared by Silver Oak Winery chef Dominic Orsini. The winning bidders will also receive the following Large Format bottles of 2017 Silver Oak Napa Valley: 2 Methuselahs, 2 Jeroboams and 6 magnums, all signed by David R. Duncan.
2:53 p.m.
Lot 21: From the Links to the Lakefront
Winning bid: $260,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $7,510,000
Two couples will take a 13-night journey to New Zealand to play the North Island’s most celebrated golf courses while enjoying world-class accommodations, sightseeing, food and wine. They’ll enjoy rounds of golf at Tara Iti Golf Club and Te Arai Links, two of the hardest tee times on the globe to arrange, as well as a round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, one of the North Island’s finest courses. They’ll explore the South Island with a visit to Queenstown, an Otago resort built around an inlet in Lake Wakatipu. They’ll take a VIP helicopter tour of Milford Sound and enjoy a private tour and tasting at Amisfield Vineyard. They’ll finish their New Zealand adventure with two nights at the luxurious Park Hyatt in Auckland.
2:47 p.m.
Lot 20: Colorado Calling, It’s Cuvee
Winning bid: $280,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $7,250,000
Four couples will have five nights of exclusive use at Cuvée’s ultra-luxury 250-acre Triple C Ranch, which can accommodate up to 16 guests and is situated in Silverthorne, Colorado. Meals will be prepared by a personal Cuvée chef, who will provide an introduction to ranch-style gastronomy. A wealth of equestrian activities will be supplemented in summer by fly fishing, rafting and ATV riding and augmented in winter by snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. They’ll have exclusive access to an Experience Curator, who will coordinate their activities and deliver “The Art of Discovery” to their personalized stay at Triple C Ranch.
2:43 p.m.
Lot 19: All That Jazz: From Montreux to Gstaad
Winning bid: $150,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $6,970,000
An eight-night Jazz Festival and Switzerland summer adventure in July 2022 is calling two couples. They’ll spend five nights at the five-star Hotel Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreux, Switzerland, with a private tour and guide of Geneva before spending two days tapping their toes to the beat with Seated Hospitality Experience tickets to the Montreux Jazz Festival. While in Montreux, they will have a private tour of the vineyards of Lavaux, a private boat excursion on Lake Geneva and a visit to Lausanne or Évian. They’ll journey to Gstaad with First Class Golden Pass train transfer. In Gstaad, they’ll delight in the scenic beauty of Lake Lauenen in a horse-drawn carriage, with a stop to enjoy an apéritif on the shore. They will also travel to Glacier 3000, with a breathtaking panorama of the Swiss Alps.
2:38 p.m.
Lot 18: First to Drive and Luxury in the Countryside
Winning bid: $680,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $6,820,000
One couple will own the very first 2022 Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner delivered to North America, a hand-made vehicle that represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury and an unprecedented blend of craftsmanship and performance. After driving away in their vehicle, they’ll travel to England for a VIP tour of the Bentley factory at Crewe, including a fine dining experience on the Bentley production floor. Three days of touring in the United Kingdom, staying in unique, luxury accommodations will culminate in a visit and private tour of The Macallan Estate & Distillery in Speyside, where they’ll see the step-by-step process by which one of the world’s great whiskies is made.
2:32 p.m.
Lot 17: The Glitter of Wine and Jewels
Winning bid: $150,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $6,140,000
One couple will spend five nights at Milan’s Four Seasons Hotel as it delves into the world of Casa Pomellato, a leading jewelry house and one of the continent’s top jewelers. They’ll tour the facility and workshop before sitting down with creative director Vincenzo Castaldo to design their personal Casa Pomellato jewelry. In their spare time, they’ll take advantage of Milan’s rich cultural heritage and world-class dining. Back home, the winning couple and six guests will dine with Daphne and Bart Araujo at a restaurant of their choosing and also receive a vertical collection of magnums of Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon in vintages 2013 through 2018.
2:27 p.m.
Lot 16: Party Like a Rockstar, Eat and Drink Like Kings
Winning bid: $650,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $5,990,000
Three couples will have the ultimate rock festival experience with Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo of Gargiulo Vineyards for five nights at the annual BottleRock Festival in Napa Valley for either 2022 or 2023. They’ll enjoy a VIP dinner and concert at Gargiulo Vineyards with a BottleRock performer, three days of Platinum passes for the festival including access to the Platinum Lounge and dinner at Thomas Keller’s three-starred Michelin restaurant, The French Laundry. Each couple will take home a custom Taylor guitar as well as the following Gargiulo Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Magnums from the 2018 vintage: 575 OVX, OVX G Major 7 and Money Road Ranch.
2:20 p.m.
Lot 15: Town & Country
Winning bid: $160,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $5,340,000
Three couples will spend three nights at Manhattan’s exclusive Knickerbocker Club to savor the high points of the city: tickets to Hamilton, a Yankees game in dugout-adjacent seats, private tours of the Whitney Museum and the Asia Society Collection, a VIP visit to Tiffany’s bespoke jewelry department and an intimate dinner with Vanessa and Henry Cornell of Cornell Vineyards. At a separate time, they’ll travel to Sonoma for an immersive three-night experience at the Cornell estate, including private tastings, winemaker dinners and visits to partner wineries coordinated with the Cornell team. The winning bidders will take home a selection of Cornell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, including two double magnums and four magnums of the 2018 vintage, plus a vertical selection of 2 750-milliliter bottles each of Cornell Cabernet Sauvignon from 2013 through 2018.
2:15 p.m.
Lot 14: Explore the Ancient Cities of Europe by Private Jet
Winning bid: $380,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $5,180,000
One couple will take a 16-day trip across the Mediterranean in a specially configured private jet, staying in sumptuous suites in hotels chosen for their proximity to cultural attractions and historic treasures. Their itinerary will begin in Munich with an Oktoberfest experience, then take them to Fes, Morocco; Peloponnese, Greece and Tbilisi, Georgia, stopping in Palma de Mallorca, Sarajevo and Budapest. Aboard their flying palace, which normally holds 40 passengers but has been custom fitted to accommodate only 15, they’ll experience the finest in first-class cuisine paired with fine wines and champagne, served by a hand-picked cabin crew.
2:11 p.m.
Lot 13: Northern Zen, Southern Electricity
Winning bid: $400,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $4,800,000
Two couples will experience the best of California with hosts Shahpar & Darioush Khaledi of Darioush. Beginning in the Napa Valley with 2 nights at the new Four Seasons Resort in Calistoga, they’ll enjoy dinner at the Khaledi residence, an intimate private tasting at the winery and dinner at Michelin 3-starred The French Laundry in Yountville. Then it’s on to the electricity of Los Angeles for two nights at the Hotel Bel-Air with activities that include a concert at the Hollywood Bowl with the Khaledis in their private box and dinner at the flagship Wolfgang Puck restaurant at the hotel. Both couples will take home a magnum collection of Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon in vintages ranging from 2012 to 2018.
2:05 p.m.
Lot 12: Living High in Lowcountry
Winning bid: $260,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $4,400,000
Three couples will travel by private jet to South Carolina’s Lowcountry for a five-night stay at Exclusive Resort’s four-bedroom cottage at The Cloister at Sea Island, a Forbes 5-star resort. They’ll play a round of golf at the River Club and have a half-day of instruction at the Golf Performance Center before enjoying a traditional Lowcountry boil, prepared for them by a team of chefs in their 4,000 square-foot Cloister Cottage. From there, they’ll travel to the Montage Palmetto Bluff for two nights on the banks of the River May in Bluffton. They’ll enjoy several days of outdoor activities including a round at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at River May Golf Club.
2:00 p.m.
Lot 11: Cruising the Ocean on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Winning bid: $300,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $4,140,000
Two couples will embark on a 12-night transatlantic voyage setting sail Nov.5 on the Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first yacht. The winning bidders will travel from Lisbon to Barbados with ports of call atFunchal, Madeira and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They’ll stay in a signature suite and have the services of a personal concierge and The Ritz-Carlton’s pampering service. At the end of the voyage, they’ll be transported by private jet to Canouan Island for a three-day stay at the Mandarin Oriental. To prepare for the cruise the couples will receive two $5,000 credits to Marissa Collections and two $5,000 credits to élevée for cruising wares.
1:55 p.m.
Lot 10: A Precision Timepiece and Timeless Wine
Winning bid: $240,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $3,840,000
One couple will take an unforgettable journey through the world of Blancpain watches and Peter Michael wines. They’ll spend two nights in a suite at the five-star Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Switzerland, tour the Blancpain workshops and consult with an artist to design a personal red gold timepiece with a hand-painted dial. Their Swiss experience will also include a cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef and spa treatments. In addition, they’ll travel to the United Kingdom for a four-night stay at the Michael family’s Vineyard Hotel. While in England, they’ll delight in a recreation of the Judgment of Paris with a seven-course gourmet dinner. They will also spend two nights at the Peter Michael estate in Sonoma, California, tour the vineyards and have a private tasting with winemaker Robert Fiore. For years to come, they can relive their experience with a collection of 2018 Peter Michael Le Chapeau Blanc Cabernet Franc in various formats.
1:51 p.m.
Lot 9: Colorful Culture and Magnificent Malbec
Winning bid: $280,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $3,600,000
The winning bidder secured a six-day immersion for three couples in Argentine culture, food and wine, beginning with a stay at the five-star Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires. They’ll see a tango show and tour the historic La Boca neighborhood in the capital, along with visits to three cutting-edge restaurants. When they move on to Mendoza, the country’s wine capital, they’ll stay at the Catena family’s weekend retreat, enjoy a special tasting of their highly acclaimed Malbec wines and create their personal limited-edition blend with the winemaker. Includes a bountiful collection of Catena Malbec wines and 12 750-milliliter bottles of the winner’s own, custom Catena wine blend.
1:45 p.m.
Lot 8: From the Villa to the Valley
Winning bid: $360,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $3,320,000
The package for two couples will give them the opportunity to experience three magical worlds, beginning with a three-night stay in a secluded villa at Amanyara on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos. From there they’ll move on for a night stay at Amangiri on the plains of Southern Utah where the resort blends seamlessly into the untouched red-rock country of the original Colorado Plateau. The week will conclude at the Knight’s Bridge Winery for three nights at the private residence in Knights Valley, California. The couples will dine with owners Kelley and Jim Bailey, taste with winemaker Douglas Danielak and visit the Michelin 3-star restaurant SingleThread Farm in Healdsburg. Each couple will take home a signed and etched three-liter bottle of 2018 Knight’s Bridge Cabernet from the Linville and Christobel vineyards. Private Air is included throughout the entire excursion.
1:40 p.m.
Lot 7: As the Leaves Turn: From Vermont to the Adirondacks
Winning bid: $200,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $2,960,000
The winning bidder earned a six-night luxury fall excursion for two couples to Vermont and upstate New York, starting with travel on Private Air. The trip includes three nights a five-star Relais & Châteaux Twin Farms in Bernard, Vermont where fly fishing, hiking, canoeing and three special dining experiences prepared by celebrity chef Rogan Lechthaler await. The trip continues to Sarnac Lake, New York where they’ll stay at the five-star Relais & Châteaux The Point.
1:34 p.m.
Lot 6: Domaine Joseph Drouhin and the Glories of Burgundy
Winning bid: $400,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $2,760,000
The chance to see Burgundy, France as insiders was enough for one bidder to pledge $400,000. The lot features a trip for two couples to stay in the family guest house at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune. That includes a private dinner with proprietor Véronique Drouhin-Boss, a VIP tour of the cellars of the Dukes of Burgundy and Kings of France and visits to some of the region’s most exclusive vineyards. The trip is capped by a seven-day cruise on the luxury Belmond barge Fleur de Lys from Dijon to Vandenesse. Visits include los de Vougeot, La Bussière-sur-Ouche, Châteauneuf en Auxiox and Beaune. Each couple will receive a collection of rare magnums from the Joseph Drouhin collection, including a 2003 Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru, 2005 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, 2011 Beaune Clos des Mouches Premier Cru Blanc and 2013 Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche Grand Cru.
1:29 p.m.
Lot 5: Miracle on the Adriatic
Winning bid: $950,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $2,360,000
The winning bid was enough to cash in on Private Air travel from New York for an eight-night trip through Croatia where five couples will spend four nights aboard the 201-foot superyacht Katharine. It also includes four nights at the five-star Relais & Châteaux Korta Katarina Villa and Winery and all meals throughout the trip.
1:23 p.m.
Lot 4: The Ultimate Kentucky Derby Experience
Winning bid: $320,000
Total raised from auction thus far: $1,410,000
The winning bidder punched two couples’ tickets to the 2022 Kentucky Derby in May when a Phenom 300 jet will transport them to Louisville. They’ll check into a king corner suite at the Omni Louisville Hotel. A VIP pre-Derby party will kick off the festivities followed by viewing of races from the exclusive mansion that features a covered balcony over the finish line. The VIP treatment includes no waiting access to food, beverages and wagering along with chef-prepared meals and beverages. The couples will also be treated to a private tasting of rare whiskey at the Old Carter Showroom along with a large format bottle of Old Carter Whiskey.
1:17 p.m.
Lot 3: From the Farm to the Vineyard
Winning bid: $550,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $1,090,000
A winning bid earned three couples a trip to Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains and Napa Valley in California. They’ll fly private from Naples to spend three nights at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee where they’ll have dinner prepared by an executive chef with the Staglin Family Vineyard President Shannon Staglin and her husband, Artie Johnson, in the wine cellar of their barn. The trip continues with two nights at Stone Cottages on Blackberry Mountain where they’ll fill their days with yoga, hiking and biking. A separate trip will include three days of inside experiences at Staglin Family Vineyard in Naps, including a private cooking class, a component blending trial and dinner again with Staglin and Johnson. The couples will each take home an etched three-liter bottle of 2015 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon along with a case of their personal Cabernet blend.
1:09 p.m.
Lot 2: A Hymn to Krug and the Glories of France
Winning bid: $260,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $540,000
The winning bidder locked down a five-night stay for two couples in Paris and Champagne, France. After spending two nights in Les Crayéres in Reims, they’ll visit Maison Krug in Champagne where they’ll be served a Krug dinner with an executive of the house and dine at the Michelin 3-starred L’Assiette Champenoise. The trip continues with a three-night stay at the Cheval Blanc Hotel in Paris, a visit to the Louis Vuitton Foundation, a private cruise on the Seine River and exploration of cutting-edge fashion at the Louis Vuitton houses. When they return to the United States, they’ll experience a Krug & Music dinner for 10 in a private residence hostes by a Moët Hennessy Private Client Director. Lastly, the winning bidders will take home six Jeroboams of Krug Grande Cuvée 161ème Édition and two 750-milliliter three-bottle sets of Krug Soloist to Orchestra, years 2003, 2004 and 2006.
1:05 p.m.
Lot 1: New Wheels and Wonderful Wine
Winning bid: $280,000
Total raised through auction thus far: $280,000
The winning bidder acquired an instant wine cellar with bottles from each of the participating vintners in the 2022 Naples Winter Wine Festival, a total of 26 magnums and two 750-milliliter bottles. In addition, the winner will drive away in a 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition, only 7,000 of which were manufactured.
12:45 p.m.
A sampling of the travel packages to be auctioned
The Lagoon, the Capital and the Vineyard
One couple will experience seven nights of European luxury begining in Venice with a stay at the Hotel Aman on the Grand Canal for three nights, tour the city in a private gondola and enjoy an excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano. Then they’ll board the fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and travel in a Grand Suite to Paris, where they’ll stay at La Réserve for two nights and have lunch at the Michelin two-starred Le Gabriel. Their travels will take them to Bordeaux where they’ll tour the Médoc and experience life at Château Cos d’Estournel for two nights. For their next party, they’ll take home a 12 Liter bottle of 2014 Château Cos d’Estournel.
Perfection in a Bottle
The winning bidder will own a 10-year vertical collection of Harlan Estate Magnums from the 2000-2009 vintages, presented in a one-of-a-kind, hand-built cherrywood presentation case lined and French-fitted with fine billiard cloth and bound in four-ounce chestnut cowhide. The 2001, 2002 and 2007 vintages were rated a perfect 100 points by famed wine critic Robert Parker, Jr., and the scores of the other vintages in this collection follow close behind. The winning bidder will also have access to a private tour and tasting at Harlan Estate in Oakville, California, followed by an intimate lunch at the winery with the Harlan family and principals.
Domaine Joseph Drouhin and the Glories of Burgundy
Two couples will see Burgundy as insiders. They’ll begin by spending three nights in the family guest house at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune. They’ll have a private dinner with proprietor Véronique Drouhin-Boss, a VIP tour of the cellars of the Dukes of Burgundy and Kings of France and visit some of the region’s most exclusive vineyards. That is followed by a seven-day cruise on the luxury Belmond barge Fleur de Lys from Dijon to Vandenesse. Visits include Clos de Vougeot, La Bussière-sur-Ouche, Châteauneuf en Auxiox and Beaune. Roundtrip, business class airfare is also included. Each couple will receive a collection of rare Magnums from the Joseph Drouhin collection, including a 2003 Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru, 2005 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, 2011 Beaune Clos des Mouches Premier Cru Blanc and 2013 Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche Grand Cru.
Cruising the Ocean on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Two couples will get the chance to embark on a 12-night transatlantic voyage setting sail Nov. 5 on the Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first yacht. The winning bidders will travel from Lisbon to Barbados with ports of call atFunchal, Madeira and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They’ll stay in a Signature Suite and have the services of a personal concierge, and The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary pampering service. At the end of the voyage, they’ll be transported by Private Jet to Canouan Island for a three-day stay at the Mandarin Oriental. Also included are two $5,000 credits to Marissa Collections and two $5,000 credits to élevée for cruising wares. Roundtrip, business class airfare from Miami to Lisbon, Portugal and returning from Barbados for two couples is included.
From the Farm to the Vineyard
Three couples will split their time between Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains and Napa Valley. They will fly private from Naples to Tennessee and spend three nights at Blackberry Farm. Dinner with Staglin Family Vineyard President Shannon Staglin and her husband, Artie Johnson, in the wine cellar of The Barn prepared by executive chef Cassidee Dabney will highlight their trip. They’ll will move onto Blackberry Mountain for two nights in Stone Cottages, filling their days with yoga, hiking, biking and more, before flying back to Naples. At a separate time, they’ll enjoy three days of insider experiences at Staglin Family Vineyard in Napa, including a private cooking class, a component blending trial and dinner at the Staglin family home hosted by Staglin and Johnson. Each couple will take home an etched three-liter bottle of 2015 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a case of their personal Cabernet blend.
Colorado Calling, It’s Cuvée
Four couples will have five nights of exclusive use at Cuvée’s ultra-luxury 250-acre Triple C Ranch, which can accommodate up to 16 guests and is situated in Silverthorne, Colorado. Meals will be prepared by a personal Cuvée chef, who will provide an introduction to ranch-style gastronomy. A wealth of equestrian activities will be supplemented in summer by fly fishing, rafting and ATV riding and augmented in winter by snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. The winning biddgers will have exclusive access to an experience curator, who will coordinate your activities and deliver “The Art of Discovery” to their personalized stay at Triple C Ranch.
Visions of Viñedos and Perfect Patagonia
A seven-night South American wine and outdoor nature excursion is calling two couples. They’ll spend two nights at the Sheraton Miromar Hotel in Valparaiso, Chile, tour the city, enjoy decadent meals, plus immerse themselves in wine with a private tour, tasting and meal at both Seña and Don Maximiano Estate and Winery. They’ll stay a night at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago and enjoy an intimate look into the Viñedo Chadwick estate with a private tour, tasting and lunch. The journey continues with a flight to the bottom of the continent, in Torres Del Paine, Patagonia. They’ll enjoy the beauty of this untouched landscape at Relais & Châteaux Awasi, Patagonia where a private guide will customize outdoor excursions each day. They will remember your trip with a selection of Large Format bottles from each of the estates they visited. Roundtrip, business class airfare from Miami is included.
12:30 p.m.
Gulfshore Business providing live coverage of Naples Winter Wine Festival auction
Gulfshore Business is providing live coverage this afternoon of the 22nd annual Naples Winter Wine Festival auction, where millions of dollars will be raised to benefit local nonprofit agencies that work with area children.
Since its inception in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival, founded by the Naples Children & Education Foundation, has raised nearly $220 million for underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. The weekend event has become one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions with world-class food and wine.
After a year of virtually social distancing, the wine festival returns to an in-person charity event this weekend with the theme “Rise Up – Twenty Twenty Twogether.” Intimate dinners Friday with visiting chefs and vintners at private homes in Naples will be followed today’s auction, which is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. at Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in North Naples.
About 600 auction attendees will bid on 43 lots of wine, jewelry, international trips and more one-of-a-kind experiences. This year’s event, following a year when the pandemic kept people apart, is expected to be one of the most successful ever. The auction tally to beat is the 20th-anniversary event in 2020 when $20 million was raised.
“We are thrilled to be resuming our live auction under the tent with our generous friends and supporters from across the country,” said Valerie Boyd, a founding trustee for NCEF. “Together, we will rise up on behalf of the most vulnerable children in Collier County. We anticipate the best and boldest event yet with an amazing weekend full of high energy, high spirits and high bids.”
The average auction lot sells for about $275,000, said festival spokesperson Lisa Juliano. “The generosity of our patrons has just been incredible,” she said.
That generosity has enabled NCEF to provide annual grants that have impacted more than 50 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, making a profound difference and providing more than 275,000 children with the services and resources needed to excel.
Gulfshore Business will be on hand this year to provide the winning bid for each lot as well as a live running tally of the total raised at the auction. Coverage runs throughout this afternoon at GulfshoreBusiness.com.
