There is nothing like this event anywhere else in Southwest Florida. Heck, anywhere else in the United States. It’s an exclusive event and it attracts people from around the country and also the world. Tickets start at $15,000. I’ve been fortunate enough to cover this event for several years as a food and wine writer. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, the wine God’s surprise me. I’m taking you behind the scenes at the 33 Million Dollar Naples Winter Wine Fest (NWWF). Yes, $33 million was raised in one afternoon. Amazing.

The NWWF is one of the most successful wine auctions in the country and the world. The money is donated to 60 different charities that support underprivileged and at risk kids. The festival began in 2001 and over the years has raised $269 million. It’s held on the lawn at The Ritz Carlton, Tiburon and begins with an epic food and wine tasting. Ritz Carlton chefs from around the country serve creative bites and there are tables full of breads, cheeses and desserts. Delicious.

Next, tables full of wine. Selections include many you’ll never see on any wine list in Southwest Florida. They are rare vintages, large formats and from cult wine producers. Some are wines you will only see in the cellars of avid collectors. However, here you can taste them with abandoned. Go!

Finally, here are a few pics of the food and wine served at the Naples Winter Wine Fest.

• Desserts

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  I love this presentation. Sadly, I did not get to try them. I was stuck on the savory foods and wine pairings. The desserts at this event are always over the top and so good

• Roseblood Rose

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  Roseblood Rose was one of the featured wines at the NWWF. There was a cute little cart at the entrance full of giant bottles of the wine. It was a perfect way to start the day.

• Ceviche

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  This is not a plant. It is wild shrimp ceviche and it was to die for. It had lime and avocado cream and this really interesting addition of bergamot oil. Very unique and a big hit.
• Tasting Reds

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  Poetry is a beautiful Napa Valley cabernet from Cliff Lede and this was a 2006. Completely different, a Jack's Cabin Vineyard Zinfandel from Maurtison's Rockpile Winery in Sonoma. Both outstanding wines.

• Ahi Burgers with Foie Gras

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  This was a crazy combo and it worked. A thick patty of ahi tuna formed into the shape of a burger. It was topped with this thin layer of rich foie gras. It also had a smear of Calabrian Chili aioli, confit shallots, aged cheddar and a sprinkle of winter greens. Decadent

• Verite La Joie

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  The 2015 vintage of this cabernet sauvignon from Sonoma was hitting a sweet spot. It is super exclusive and received a near perfect score from Wine Advocate....99 points. It was one of my favorites.
• Savory Cannoli

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  These cannolis were fantastic. Instead of sweet cream they were filled with goat cheese. In addition, one end had pistachios while the other end had prosciutto and basil dust.

• Catena Zapata Malbec

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  This magnum of Catena Zapata Malbec was delicious. I love the label on it. It depicts the journey of malbec from France to Argentina where this wine is from.

• More Desserts

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  This was just a small selection. The dessert display was huge. They were gorgeous too. Next to the dessert table was one full of fresh breads and cheeses. Feast away.

Those photos don’t even scratch the surface of the wow wines that were served and the beautiful small bites. Besides the food, there was fashion under the tent. Dress to impress. That was the memo. Outstanding.

Finally, patrons were ushered into a huge auction tent. Ready, set, go. $320,000 was raised on the first lot. There were 50 lots and the $10 million mark was hit less than half way through. However, minds were blown at lot #29. It brought in $2.7 million. Six couples sail around the Mediterranean on a private yacht with a crew of 27 plus a few more perks. Wow.

Meanwhile, here are a few more photos. Check them out. Bravo on a job will done.

• The Diamond District

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  So nice to see this. Jason and Todd from the Diamond District donated a stunning 219.67ct aquamarine and are putting it in a custom designed setting. It was part of an auction lot that sold for $420,000. Nice job.

• Aston Martin

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  Check out this Aston Martin DB12 Volante convertible. it goes from 0 to 62 in 3.7 seconds and was one of the auction lots. The car is It was paired with a trip to the Aston Martin F1 Paddock Club in Miami. The lot sold for $650,000

• The Staglin’s

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  I love this couple. The Staglin's are so much fun and they make some fantastic wines. A well known family-owned establishment in Napa Valley, they are also super generous and big supporters of the NWWF.
• Auction Lot

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  This is what the auction lot room looked like. Tables full of amazing items up for bids and almost all contained some kind of unique wines. Look at the size of this Silver Oak. It is a beast to lift.

• Tasting

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  Tasting tables were set up on the lawn of The Ritz Carlton Tiburon in Naples. Each one had two selections to pair with red and white wines. The small bites were also beautifully presented.

• Auction Item

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  This was one of three cars that were part of auction lots. This is a completely restored vintage 1966 Ford Bronco. The color was inspired by the Barbie movie. It came with 39 magnums of wine from all of the vintners participating in the NWWF. It sold for $320,000
• The Mauritsons

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  Carrie and Clay Mauritson are well known n Southwest Florida. They have generously donated to numerous local charities but this was there first time at NWWF. They have a cozy tasting room in Sonoma and make beautiful zins among other things.

• Table

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  This table was reserved for the media but it is very similar to the others. There is food, water, noise makers and of course bottles of wine. It is a long afternoon with 50 lots and organizers want to make sure everyone has enough fuel to make it through.

• Alycia Mondavi

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  I first met Alycia Mondavi at a media event in Napa celebrating the anniversary of Charles Krug wines. One of the best parts about this wine fest is seeing winemakers from the west coast of the U.S. on the west coast of Florida.
• Under The Tent

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  Inside the tent at NWWF. It is huge with dozens of round tables full of wine makers, chefs and patrons bidding on auction lots. The energy is crazy and so is the generosity from bidders.

• George Miliotes

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  George Miliotes is a renowned Master Sommelier who came in from Orlando to help pour wines. Only somms handle wines at this event. You may have dined at his restaurant at Disney Springs, wine bar george.

• Stage Is Set

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  Getting ready for the auction, there was live music and lots of cheerleading to pump up the crowd. Because there were so many auction lots, there were two auctioneers. They took turns raising money and did an amazing job.
• Shoes

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  This is a tease. I've got another gallery coming up. It will consist only of shoes and fashion from the NWWF. Get ready.

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