Here's the play-by-play for the weekend of fine wining and Michelin-star dining.
The Vintage Cellar–Pre-Festival Tasting and Luncheon Thursday, February 2
This pre-festival tasting and luncheon—hosted by Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, co-owner of Château Mouton Rothschild and Chairman and CEO of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, with head winemaker Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy—is moderated by renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck. The private event* kicks off the festivities of savoring the world’s finest wines. *Separate ticketed event. Tasting from 9:30 a.m. to 12p.m.; luncheon from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; at Bleu Provence in Naples; resort-casual attire.
Vintage Cellar Journalist Jeb Dunnuck moderates a conversation between Château Mouton Rothschild’s co-owner and their winemaker during The Vintage Cellar.
A former aerospace engineer, Jeb Dunnuck has spent nearly 25 years as a wine critic. In his eponymous wine publication, he reviews vintages and reports on harvests. His goal: to help oenophiles discover what to drink next. At The Vintage Cellar event, he draws on his Bordeaux expertise to lead an insightful conversation between Château Mouton’s co-owner Philippe Sereys de Rothschild and winemaker Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy.
A Look into the Lot Room Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4
Feel the energy buzzing in the lot room at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, where bidders can preview the curated auction lots and meet many of the generous donors behind the auction. This is the time to check out the lavish, sought-after experiences and exceptional wine lots, decide which items you simply can’t live without, and discuss bidding strategies with friends. From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday; at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, Ballrooms 3 & 4; casual attire.
Meet the Kids Day Tour & Luncheon Friday, February 3
Begin your weekend of radical giving by witnessing the life-changing impact of the Naples Winter Wine Festival during Meet the Kids Day at the NCH Business Center. A highlight for many NWWF patrons, Meet the Kids Day allows you to get to know the organizations benefiting from NCEF’s grants and meet the children who have received the resources and services they need to excel. The morning culminates in heartfelt presentations, showcasing remarkable success stories that NCEF’s grants have made possible. Following the presentations, you’ll meet acclaimed vintners and taste their exclusive wines at a luncheon catered by D’Amico’s The Continental. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m; shuttles to the NCH Business Center depart from The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, at 8:30 a.m.; resort casual.
Don’t Miss The Chance To Bid On These Stellar Lots For Naples Winter Wine Festival.
Vintner Dinners Friday, February 3
Enjoy intimate dinners with award-winning chefs and celebrated vintners at the elegant private homes and settings of Naples Winter Wine Festival trustees throughout Naples. Forge lifelong friendships with fellow wine and food enthusiasts during these magical evenings with unparalleled dining experiences. Times and locations vary; hosts send personal invitations detailing the specific times and attire.
2023 Live Auction Saturday, February 4
Embark on a journey beyond your wildest expectations during the live auction , where you’ll be greeted by a dazzling team of Ritz-Carlton chefs offering bite-sized masterpieces and sommeliers pouring the world’s finest and rarest wines. Then, you’ll strut into the main event, where you’re cheered on and celebrated, setting the mood for an afternoon of bidding on extraordinary wines, travel packages and one-of-a-kind experiences. Throughout the afternoon, sommeliers and servers go table to table, pouring wines and serving gastropub fare, while guests raise their paddles to support local kids. The atmosphere under the tent is electrifying! 11 a.m. to approx. 5 p.m.; at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón; resort-casual attire.
Wine Down Saturday, February 4
After-party with the best of them, as you celebrate the enormous generosity of the winning bidders and ‘wine down’ with more great food and drinks. Dance the night away to live music, including a band made up of Grammy Award-winning musicians. Following the live auction; at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón; come-as-you-are attire.
Celebration Brunch Sunday, February 5
The perfect ending to a perfect weekend: the Sunday Champagne brunch is complete with hearty fare and bubbly, along with plenty of opportunities to hobnob with the chef, vintner and oenophile friends you’ve made over the weeke nd. Bid farewell to friends, old and new—at least, until next year. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón; resort-casual attire.