|
 |
EVENT INFO |
|
|
 |
|
|
The Festival | Mission & Vision | Attend the Event | Schedule of Events | Festival By the Numbers |
|
|
|
|
|
The Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival is ranked among the top 10 arts and entertainment events for wealthy Americans. The June 2006 ranking by the Luxury Institute is based on exclusivity, quality and prestige. The event brings many of the world’s finest vintners and chefs together with wine collectors and philanthropists for a three-day gala in picturesque Naples, Florida.
The trustees’ vision of the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) made the dream of the Naples Winter Wine Festival a reality. The vision was based on creating an exquisite event, with proceeds benefiting local charities that assist underprivileged and at risk children. These two goals drive the trustees to make the festival a huge success, and once again this year, the festival was recognized as the most successful charity wine auction by Wine Spectator.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mission & Vision
Proceeds from the Festival benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation, whose vision is to make a profound and sustaining difference in the quality of children’s lives. NCEF is committed to supporting charitable programs that improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged and at risk children in Collier County. Since its inception in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised more than $69 million for children in need. |
|
|
|
|
|
Attend the Event
Guests plan their social calendars around attending this extraordinary event, flying in from all over the world. In fact, tickets often sell out before the
RSVP deadline. Ticket packages to this exclusive three-day affair for approximately
600 guests are:
Double Magnum
$7,500 per couple
Jeroboam
$20,000 with reserved seating for a party of four at the same vintner
dinner and at the same table on auction day.
Tickets are sold for the entire festival only. It is not possible to buy tickets to individual events.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Schedule of Events
Meet the Kids Day Tour and Grant Luncheon
Friday, February 6, 2009, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Departing from The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
Experience firsthand how funds raised by the Naples Winter Wine Festival are making children’s dreams come true. You will have the opportunity to meet several children’s charities, tour recently completed pediatric dental and early learning centers and interact with the children whose dreams are being realized through your generosity. Afterwards, enjoy a luncheon and wine tasting with acclaimed California vintners. Sponsored by Hamilton Harbour Yacht Club.
Attire: Casual
Vintner Dinners
Friday, February 6, 2009, evening (times vary)
Private homes
Enjoy an intimate, exclusive private dining experience at one of 17 elegant homes in Naples. Each dinner is illuminated by the expertise of a renowned vintner and the culinary talents of one of the world’s greatest chefs. Each event will be
a dream come true for all who attend. Dinner parties will be small affairs.
Hosts will announce the attire for the evening.
2009 Dreams DO Come True Auction
Saturday, February 7, 2009, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
Dream big when the bidding begins at Naples’ world-class wine auction, held at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. The lunch extravaganza will showcase the culinary talents of The Ritz-Carlton’s chefs from throughout the country, including acclaimed Master Chefs. Prepared under the watchful eye of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort’s Executive Chef Henry Heng, the menu will feature Florida’s freshest and finest cuisine, paired with the best wines from around the world. Exceptional wines and dining experiences, custom travel packages and one-of-a-kind treasures will go to the highest bidders under the main tent at auction time.
Attire: Resort Casual
Wine Down
Saturday, February 7, 2009, following the Auction
Ridgway Bar & Grill
Carry on the day’s festive mood at the after-auction party in the heart of downtown Naples. This fun, laid-back affair will be the perfect antidote to the gavel-to-gavel excitement. Unbelievable wines, casual food and living-room-style live music will beckon guests to kick back, celebrate auction wins and enjoy friendships created during the weekend.
Attire: Casual
Celebration Brunch
Sunday, February 8, 2009, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
End this extraordinary weekend with a salute to Southern hospitality at the farewell celebration brunch. Rob DeFrancesco, executive chef for WCI’s Tiburón Golf Club, will orchestrate a feast of “down home” Southern cuisine, along with several chefs from WCI Communities’ area clubs. The fabulous brunch will be a fitting finale to the weekend celebration for guests, sponsors, vintners and chefs.
Attire: Casual
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Festival by the Numbers
$69.5 million Amount raised by the Naples Winter Wine Festival since
2001 – funds go directly to improving the lives of underprivileged and at risk children.
$14 million Total raised for children’s charities at the 2008 festival
$17.3 million 2008 grants to local childrens charities, including $10.8 million earmarked for long-term strategic initiatives in Immokalee
635 guests Festival guests in 2008 (most ever; fastest sellout; 80 put
on waiting list)
$7,500 Cost for one couple to attend the festival
$20,000 Cost for two couples to attend the festival and the same Friday evening vintner dinner at one of 17 elegant private homes
$30,652 Average winning bid in 2001
$197,183 Average winning bid in 2008
72 auction lots One-of-a-kind treasures and experiences auctioned off at the 2008 festival
$2 million Winning bid at the 2007 festival for a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe and one of the highest bids ever for a single lot at a charity wine auction
100 x 148 foot tent Set on the grand lawn of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples for the auction and Sunday brunch
2,500 wine glasses Filled at Saturday’s culinary showcase
400 volunteers Help prepare for the gala and are involved during the festivities as wine stewards, greeters, auction spotters, cheerleaders, etc.
1,350 employees Ritz-Carlton employees involved in the festival during its final stages |
|
|
