In partnership with Belfountain Estates, one of Ontario’s most picturesque cold weather old-world vineyards, North44Rovers unveils the 1991 Land Rover Vineyard Series Defender 90: Chardonnay 20-6IX, created exclusively for the Naples Winter Wine Festival. This bespoke two-door open-top Defender embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and refinement—uniting the rugged authenticity of Land Rover’s legendary off-road design with the artistry of winemaking.

Lovingly reimagined by North44Rovers’ atelier team in Toronto, the Chardonnay 20-6IX is powered by a fully rebuilt 300 TDI turbo-diesel engine and rests on a completely restored chassis, engineered for durability and performance. The exterior, finished in Chawton White, evokes the purity and restraint of a fine Chardonnay, while the cabin offers an elegant interplay of Mandarin Italian Nappa leather and bespoke wood accents. Inside the rear compartment lies a custom-crafted wine case—a subtle nod to its vineyard inspiration.

The Vineyard Series Defender was designed for those who seek adventure without compromise. From muddy vineyard slopes to coastal drives, these one-of-a-kind vehicles embody the spirit of exploration and sophistication. This exclusive Chardonnay 20-6IX edition will debut at the Naples Winter Wine Festival, offering bidders not only a vehicle, but a story of craftsmanship, community and the meeting of two worlds: the precision of North44Rovers and the timeless artistry of Belfountain Estates.

The other half of this remarkable lot is a mind-boggling collection of Large Format bottles from every vintner participating in the 2026 Festival. Whether you’re a fan of France, Italy, Spain, California or Argentina, there’s something here for you to cherish and enjoy. The 2000 Cos d’Estournel is a top vintage from a historic producer, fully mature now but still powerful; 2000 is one of Bordeaux’s legendary years. You have an additional wine from Bordeaux represented by Château Troplong Mondot and a bottle of Rare Champagne tossed in for celebration. The 2005 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge is the same vintage that was served to His Majesty King Charles III during his visit to Château Smith Haut Lafitte–a nod to the year of his marriage to Queen Camilla. It is a rare bottle, rich in both taste and history. The gems of Napa Valley are nearly endless: Promontory, Aperture, Continuum, Cardinale, Spottswoode, Dalla Valle and much more. There’s Vega Sicilia Unico, Spain’s most legendary and collectible wine and Argentina’s famed Catena Zapata. Many are mature and ready to drink, while some will benefit from further aging. The icing on the cake is the incredibly rare Six Liter bottle of 2016 Biondi-Santi Tenuta Greppo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG.

This lot will make you king of the road and master of your cellar: it deserves your highest and most generous bid!

Insider’s Info

The bottle of Promontory will ship directly to the winning bidder. All other wine to be picked up from NCF office. The restored 1991 Land Rover Defender 90 automobile up for auction is donated by Libby & Rick Germain and North44Rovers. Winning bidder will be solely responsible for any applicable registration, license, title and insurance fees, all taxes (federal, state, local and/or income) and any expenses not listed herein related to the acceptance and use of the vehicle. Neither Land Rover, donors, NWWF nor The Auctioneers make, nor are Land Rover, donors, NWWF nor The Auctioneers in any manner responsible or liable for, any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the Automobile, including but not limited to its quality, fitness for purpose or mechanical condition. Winning bidder is required to comply with any and all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations including, but not limited to, licensing and insurance requirements. In accepting the Land Rover, winning bidder expressly understands and agrees that operating a motor vehicle is an inherently dangerous activity that may expose the driver, passenger(s) and other persons to injury, dismemberment or even death. The Land Rover present at the auction is the actual vehicle offered by the donors.