Naples Winter Wine Festival’s “Picture This” live auction raised more than $30 million to benefit children in Collier County. This brings the total amount raised by the NWWF to more than $366 million since its inception in 2001.
Festival attendees once again came together under the big tent just outside The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to bid on 51 unique, wine, travel and culinary live auction lots, many of which included wines from some of the world’s most revered vineyards. All proceeds will support some nonprofit organizations in the Collier County community that have provided 385,000 children with the significant services and resources they need to excel.
Among this year’s top live auction lots were:
- “Million Dollar Night of Country with Thomas Rhett” for $1.375 million: 55 couples each contributed $25,000 to attend an exclusive evening event in November featuring Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Thomas Rhett at the Naples Jet Center in Naples.
- “Vanquish Velocity: Waves and Wheels” for $1.1 million: One lucky bidder took home a brand new 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible with an Iridescent Sapphire exterior and Glacier White leather interior color, highlighted with Gloss Black carbon fiber and Pale Blue contrast stitching.
- “The Beauty and Majesty of Lake Como with Black Book Villas” for $1.1 million: Four couples will experience seven nights of lakeside luxury and Italian splendor in Lake Como with a stay in Villa Polli.
- “Million Dollar Meal … ALL for the Kids!” for $1 million: 40 couples each contributed $25,000 to indulge in an exclusive rooftop dinner on Nov. 17 at Prime Social Reserve overlooking iconic Fifth Avenue South in Naples.
- “Eight Knights on a Grand Greek Odyssey” for $850,000: Four couples will journey on an eight-night luxurious private yacht voyage along the Greek islands courtesy of Knights Bridge Winery.
- “Isle Be Back: Adventures in the Galapagos” for $800,000: Four couples will embark on a nine-night journey to Ecuador with a private Galapagos yacht experience.
- “Luxury and Wildlife on the African Savannahs” for $650,000: Two couples will travel on a nine-night indulgent African expedition with Belmond.
- “An Oasis of BVLGARI Wonders in Dubai” for $650,000: Two couples will embark on an extraordinary Arabian escape with BVLGARI to Dubai where they will spend five nights at Bvlgari Resort Dubai.
- “Gargiulo: A Journey Through Culinary Italy” for $650,000: Two couples will join Gargiulo Vineyards Proprietors Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo and traditional Italian Chef Angelo Auriana for a six-night food and wine journey through Italy.
Festival attendees also gave on-the-spot donations supporting this year’s Fund a Need, “The Picture of Health.” These contributions totaled more than $7 million to support the Naples Children Foundation’s (NCF’s) healthcare initiatives for children.
On Friday, Jan. 30, Festival attendees got the opportunity to witness first-hand the life-changing impact of the NWWF during the annual “Meet the Kids Day.” The morning culminated in heartfelt presentations showcasing remarkable success stories that NCF’s grants have made possible, followed by a luncheon highlighting wines presented by acclaimed vintners…