Naples Winter Wine Festival 2026 Returns to Showcase Global Wine and Culinary Masters

The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, returns to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón from January 30 to February 1, 2026. Celebrating its 26th year with the theme “Picture This,” the Festival once again unites legendary vintners, Michelin-level chefs, and master sommeliers for a weekend of rare vintages, inspired cuisine, and unforgettable generosity. Since its debut in 2001, the Festival has raised over $336 million, transforming the lives of more than 385,000 at-risk and underprivileged children in Collier County.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF)

Honored Vintners
At the pinnacle of this year’s celebration are Shahpar and Darioush Khaledi, founders of Napa Valley’s acclaimed Darioush Winery. Since 1998, the Khaledis have cultivated vineyards across Mount Veeder, Oak Knoll, and Napa’s southern valley, producing Bordeaux-style wines that balance both elegance and complexity. Their journey reflects a pursuit of excellence and cultural storytelling, making them ideal honorees for a Festival devoted to legacy and generosity.

This year’s vintner lineup spans iconic Old World estates and pioneering New World winemakers, offering patrons a rare opportunity to taste across terroirs and traditions. This year’s vintners include:

• Pablo Álvarez Mezquíriz of Vega Sicilia, Valladolid, Spain

• Laura Catena of Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina

• Grace Evenstad of Domaine Serene, Oregon & Château de la Crée, Burgundy

• Barbara Banke & Chris Carpenter of Cardinale, Oakville, California

• Marilisa Allegrini of Allegrini Estates, Verona, Italy

• Jean & Nicole Trimbach of Trimbach, Alsace, France

• Shari & Garen Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyard, Rutherford, California

“These featured vintners represent some of the most prestigious wine-producing regions in the world,” said Bill Cary, 2026 Vintner Committee Member. “Our patrons will meet renowned winemakers and sample rare and outstanding wines, setting the stage for another extraordinary weekend of generosity.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF)

The Festival’s culinary artistry is led by Dustin Valette, chef-owner of Valette and The Matheson in Healdsburg, California. A fifth-generation Sonoma County native and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Valette honed his skills under Thomas Keller and Laurent Manrique before returning home to create Wine Country dining destinations rooted in seasonality and soul. He is joined by a stellar lineup of award-winning chefs, including:

• Karen Akunowicz of Fox & the Knife, Boston

• Dean Fearing of Fearing’s Restaurant, Dallas

• Nancy Oakes of Boulevard, San Francisco

• Joe Flamm of Day Off Group, Chicago

• Cassidee Dabney & Joey Edwards of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, Walland, Tennessee

• Rogelio Garcia of Auro, Calistoga

• John Tesar of Knife Steakhouse & Knife Italian, Dallas

“Our lineup includes many of the nation’s top chefs, along with exciting new faces making their Festival debut,” says Kelley Bailey, 2026 Chef Committee Chair.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF)

Bridging the artistry of vintners and chefs are the Featured Sommeliers, a handpicked group of the country’s top palates. These masters will guide guests through each pour, adding depth and context to the wines being served. This year’s master sommeliers include:

• Fernando Beteta, MS of High Road Wine & Spirits, Chicago

• Ian Cauble, MS of theCaubleist.com, Napa

• George Miliotes, MS of Wine Bar George, Orlando

• Marie Cheslik of Slik Wines, Chicago

• Max Kast, MS of BOND, Oakville

“Sommeliers don’t just pour wine—they tell its story,” says Bruce Nichols, NCEF Honorary Trustee and 2026 Sommelier Liaison. “Their insight ensures that every sip is meaningful.”

The Festival begins with Meet the Kids Day, where patrons see firsthand the impact of their generosity. Friday evening, guests are welcomed into Naples’ most elegant private estates for 17 Vintner Dinners, where world-renowned chefs, vintners, and sommeliers collaborate to craft exquisite multi-course pairings. On Saturday, the spotlight turns to the legendary Live Auction, offering rare vintages, bespoke travel experiences, and one-of-a-kind culinary adventures. The weekend closes with a Champagne Brunch, the ultimate toast to community, philanthropy, and the power of food and wine to unite.

Ticket packages for the 26th annual Festival begin at $17,500 per couple for the Double Magnum package and $40,000 for two couples for the Jeroboam package.