Naples Winter Wine Festival: A Record-Breaking $30 Million Raised for Children’s Charities

The Naples Winter Wine Festival has once again affirmed its reputation as the leading charity wine auction in the United States, raising over $30 million in support of local children’s charities. The 26th edition of this prestigious event took place at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, attracting approximately 650 attendees who bid on an array of offerings including rare wines, luxury travel experiences, and exclusive dining opportunities.

Since its inception in 2001, the festival has now raised more than $366 million, impacting the lives of 385,000 children across Collier County through various local nonprofits. In the prior years, the event garnered $34 million in 2025 and $33 million in 2024.

Ashley Gerry, co-chair of the festival, highlighted the extraordinary spirit of the community, stating, "Raising more than $30 million at the 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival is a powerful testament to what’s possible when an extraordinary community comes together around a shared purpose."

The auction featured contributions from renowned wineries such as Darioush, Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, and Bodegas Vega Sicilia, alongside celebrated chefs from award-winning restaurants. This year, four auction lots surpassed the million-dollar mark, with the highest performer being a private concert by Grammy-nominated Thomas Rhett that, along with a wine-paired dinner, raised $1.375 million.

Other notable items included a dinner for 40 couples, a weeklong stay at the luxurious Villa Polli in Lake Como, and a million-dollar "Vanquish Velocity" package involving an Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible.

In addition to the live auction, the festival raised more than $7 million for healthcare initiatives through on-the-spot donations. The Naples Children Foundation, which has partnerships with over 90 local charities spanning various fields, will distribute these proceeds to support children in need. The festival is scheduled to return next year for its 27th installment from January 29-31 at the same esteemed location.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!