the Palace of Versailles and visit Maison Mellerio , the oldest and last family-owned jewelry house in France . They will then transfer to Reims for a private tour of Reims Cathedral . At Rare Champagne , they will be welcomed with a private vineyard and cellar tour , plus a tasting hosted by the chef de cave , Émilien Boutillat , and a splendid dinner at Résidence Eisenhower featuring a collection of older vintages . Each couple will also receive a pair of 2008 and 2014 Magnums .
A heart-felt call to action , on-the-spot donations supporting this year ’ s Fund a Need , “ Putting Down Roots : Early Learning GROWS a Healthy Mind ,” brought in contributions of more than $ 8 million to support NCEF ’ s early learning and mental health initiatives . Every dollar will support NCEF ’ s holistic approach of providing behavioral and mental health supports at an early age , ensuring children receive the necessary resources and services to allow them to grow and thrive .
The 2024 Naples Winter Wine Festival kicked off Thursday evening with an exclusive Grand Crew Party at Campiello restaurant in historic Old Naples . This year , the Festival honored renowned Burgundy and Oregon winemaker Véronique Boss-Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin and Domaine Drouhin Oregon as its 2024 Honored Vintner and four-time nominated and two-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta as its 2024 Chef de Cuisine .
On Friday , 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 NCEF ’ s grants have made possible , followed by a delicious luncheon highlighting fabulous wines presented by acclaimed vintners .
The night before Saturday ’ s Live Auction , 18 all-star celebrity chefs , over 20 renowned vintners and 18 of the world ’ s elite featured sommeliers paired off to prepare exquisite , intimate dinners at the stunning private homes of Festival Trustees and other exclusive locations across Naples .
Using the funds raised from this year ’ s auction , NCEF will award grants to local organizations and fund strategic initiatives supporting Collier County children in need on March 18 , 2024 .
About Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival , one of the world ' s most prestigious charity wine auctions , offers a weekend of unforgettable memories . Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in elegant , private homes and settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction . Since its inaugural event in 2001 , the NWWF has raised almost $ 302 million , making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children .
About Naples Children & Education
Foundation
The Naples Children & Education Foundation , the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival , is improving the educational , emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children . Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives , NCEF has impacted close to 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the community , providing more than 300,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel . NCEF ' s unique approach , which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources , has become a blueprint for how to transform a community , one issue at a time .
For additional information on the Naples Children & Education Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival , contact Lisa Juliano at lisa @ napleswinefestival . com or 239-514-2239 .
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 53