Dave Osborn and Gina Birch | Naples Daily News
The 2022 Naples Winter Wine Festival live auction returned to an in-person format Jan. 29 in The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.
Last year’s festival held a virtual auction due to the pandemic. The fundraiser, since its 2001 inception, has raised nearly $245 million for the Naples Children & Education Foundation.
At the live auction, festival-goers bid on 43 live lots in a tent at the golf resort.
More than $23 million was raised at the Jan. 29 live auction, setting a record.
Here are the lots:
Lot 1 — New Wheels and Wonderful Wine
Winner bidder acquires an instant wine cellar with bottles from each of the participating vintners in the 2022 NWWF, a total of 26 Magnums and 2 750ml bottles. More than half the Magnum bottles in this collection are ready to drink, while the rest will age gracefully for at least another decade. Winner also gets a 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition and you won’t find this vehicle at a dealership: only 7,000 were made, and they are already sold out.
Sold for: $280,000Lot 2 — A Hymn to Krug and the Glories of France
Two couples will experience five nights in both Champagne and Paris, courtesy of Krug Champagne and Moët Hennessy Private. Part of the trip is at Les Crayéres in Reims, which includes a visit to Maison Krug, a Krug dinner with an executive of the house and dinner at the Michelin 3-starred L’Assiette Champenoise. In Paris, winners stay at the ultra-chic Cheval Blanc Hotel visit the Louis Vuitton Foundation, take a private cruise on the Seine and explore the cutting edge of fashion at the fabled LVMH houses. Back in the U.S., a Moët Hennessy Private Client Director will host a unique “Krug & Music” dinner experience for 10 in a private residence. The winning bidders will also take home 6 Jeroboams of Krug Grande Cuvée 161ème Édition and 2 750ml 3 bottle sets of Krug “Soloist to Orchestra”: 2003, 2004 and 2006.
Sold for: $260,000Lot 3 — From the Farm to the Vineyard
Three couples will split their time between Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains and Napa Valley. They will fly private from Naples to Tennessee on a Phenom 300 and spend three nights at Blackberry Farm, sampling their remarkable range of culinary offerings. The trip will be highlighted by dinner with Staglin Family Vineyard president, Shannon Staglin and her husband Artie Johnson in the wine cellar of The Barn prepared by executive chef Cassidee Dabney. Then, they will move onto Blackberry Mountain for two nights in Stone Cottages, filling their days with yoga, hiking, biking and nature, before flying back to Naples. At a separate time, they will enjoy three days of insider experiences at Staglin Family Vineyard in Napa, including a private cooking class with the estate chef, a component blending trial led by winemaker Fredrik Johansson and a dinner at the Staglin family home hosted by Shannon and Artie. Each couple will take home an etched 3-liter bottle of 2015 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a case of their personal Cabernet blend.
Sold for: $1.1 millionLot 4 — The Ultimate Kentucky Derby Experience
Two couples will enjoy the 2022 Kentucky Derby like an insider on May 5-8, 2022. A Phenom 300 will transport them from Naples to Louisville to check into a King Corner Suite at the new Omni Louisville Hotel. They will be invited to a VIP pre-Derby party before watching the Derby. An individual concierge will escort the couples through a private entrance for both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby with seats at the exclusive Mansion, with a covered view and balcony over the finish line. They will have insider access to Churchill Downs, the Paddocks and trophy displays. Their exclusive tickets include no waiting access to food, beverages and wagering, along with chef prepared meals. While in Kentucky, they will have a private tasting of rare whiskey at the Old Carter Showroom, along with a Large Format bottle of Old Carter Whiskey.
Sold for: $320,000Lot 5 — Miracle on the Adriatic
Five couples will experience an eight-night adventure by air, land and sea through Croatia. They’ll spend four nights, divided between the beginning and end of the trip, aboard the 201-foot superyacht Katharine with 16 crew members. In-between, they’ll spend four nights at the 5-star Relais & Châteaux Korta Katarina Villa and Winery. Then they will explore the remote islands and hidden harbors of Croatia such as Trogir, Hvar, Polače and Sveta Marija while enjoying great food, wine and hospitality. All meals are included throughout the trip. Roundtrip air from New York to Split, Croatia, on a private jet is included.
Sold for: $950,000Lot 6 — Domaine Joseph Drouhin and the Glories of Burgundy
Two couples will see Burgundy as insiders, beginning by spending three nights in the family guest house at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune. They’ll have a private dinner with proprietor Véronique Drouhin-Boss, have a VIP tour of the cellars of the Dukes of Burgundy and Kings of France and visit some of the region’s most exclusive vineyards. After a seven-day cruise on the luxury Belmond barge Fleur de Lys from Dijon to Vandenesse, six crew members will attend to their every need. Visits include Clos de Vougeot, La Bussière-sur-Ouche, Châteauneuf en Auxiox and Beaune. Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare is also included. Each couple will receive a collection of rare Magnums from the Joseph Drouhin collection, to include a 2003 Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru, 2005 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, 2011 Beaune Clos des Mouches Premier Cru Blanc and 2013 Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche Grand Cru.
Sold for: $400,000Lot 7 — As The Leaves Turn: From Vermont to the Adirondacks
Two couples will enjoy a six-night luxury fall excursion to Vermont and upstate New York, starting with private air on a Citation Excel. After landing, they will be transported to the Forbes 5-star, Relais & Châteaux Twin Farms in Bernard, Vermont for three nights. They’ll enjoy amenities and outdoor activities such as fly fishing, hiking, canoeing and more before three special dining experiences prepared by celebrity chef Rogan Lechthaler. They’ll dine at Rogan’s restaurant, The Downtown Grocery in Ludlow, with wines selected by his wife Abby, who will pack a gourmet picnic lunch to-go, and will return for an intimate dinner joined by himself and his wife at his childhood home. They then will enjoy a scenic transfer to Saranac Lake at the Forbes 5-star, Relais & Châteaux The Point, where they will enjoy more culinary delights and activities, including fishing, kayaking, golfing and more.
Sold for: $200,000Lot 8 — From the Villa to the Valley
Two couples will have the opportunity to experience three magical worlds, beginning with a three-night stay in a secluded villa at Amanyara on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos. From there they’ll move on for a one-night stay at another spectacular Aman property, Amangiri, on the plains of Southern Utah where the resort blends seamlessly into red-rock country of the original Colorado Plateau. Their week will conclude at the Knight’s Bridge Winery for three nights at the private residence in Knights Valley, California and dine with owners Kelley and Jim Bailey, taste with winemaker Douglas Danielak and visit the Michelin 3-star restaurant SingleThread Farm in Healdsburg. Each couple will take home a signed and etched 3 Liter bottle of 2018 Knight’s Bridge Cabernet from the Linville and Christobel vineyards. Private air is included throughout the entire excursion.
Sold for: $360,000Lot 9 — Colorful Culture and Magnificent Malbec
Three couples will have a six-day immersion in Argentine culture, food and wine, beginning with a stay at the 5-star Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires. They’ll see a tango show and tour the historic La Boca neighborhood in the capital, along with visits to three cutting-edge restaurants. When they move on to Mendoza, the country’s wine capital, they’ll stay at the Catena family’s weekend retreat, enjoy a special tasting of acclaimed Malbec wines and create their personal limited-edition blend with the winemaker. Includes a bountiful collection of Catena Malbec wines and 12, 750-milliliter bottles of the winner’s own, custom Catena wine blend.
Sold for: $280,000Lot 10 — A Precision Timepiece and Timeless Wines
One couple will take an unforgettable journey through the world of Blancpain watches and Peter Michael wines. They will spend two nights in a suite at the 5-star Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Switzerland, tour the Blancpain workshops and consult with an artist to design a personal red gold timepiece with a hand-painted dial. Their Swiss experience will also include a cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef and spa treatments. In addition, they’ll travel to Great Britain for a four-night stay at the Michael family’s Vineyard Hotel, “a temple to California wine.” While in England, they will enjoy a recreation of the Judgment of Paris with a seven-course gourmet dinner. They will also spend two nights at the Peter Michael estate in Sonoma, tour the vineyards and have a private tasting with winemaker Robert Fiore. For years to come, they can relive your experience with a collection of 2018 Peter Michael Le Chapeau Blanc Cabernet Franc, including 1 Bordeaux Jeroboam, 1 Double Magnum, 2 Magnums and 2 750-milliliter bottles.
Sold for: $240,000Lot 11 — Cruising the Ocean on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Two couples will get the chance to embark on a 12-night transatlantic voyage setting sail Nov. 5, 2022, on the Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first yacht. Winning bidders will travel from Lisbon to Barbados with ports of call at Funchal, Madeira and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They’ll stay in a Signature Suite and have the services of a personal concierge, along with the highest staff to passenger ratio in the industry and The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary pampering service. At the end of the voyage, they’ll be transported by private jet to Canouan Island for a three-day stay at the Mandarin Oriental. Prepare for the cruise with two $5,000 gift certificates to Marissa Collections and two $5,000 credits to élevée for cruising wares. Roundtrip, business class airfare from Miami to Lisbon, Portugal, and returning from Barbados for two couples is included.
Sold for: $300,000Lot 12 — Living High in Lowcountry
Three couples will travel by private jet to South Carolina’s Lowcountry for a five-night stay at Exclusive Resort’s four-bedroom cottage at The Cloister at Sea Island, a Forbes 5-star resort. Play a round of golf at the River Club and have a half-day of instruction at the Golf Performance Center before enjoying a traditional Lowcountry boil, prepared for by a team of chefs in the 4,000 square-foot Cloister Cottage. From there, they’ll travel to the Montage Palmetto Bluff for two nights on the banks of the River May in Bluffton. Enjoy several days of outdoor activities including a round at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at River May Golf Club. Roundtrip, Private Air via Jet It is included from Naples to Sea Island, Georgia, returning from South Carolina.
Sold for: $260,000Lot 14 — Explore the Ancient Cities of Europe by Private Jet
One couple will take a 16-day trip across the Mediterranean in a specially configured private jet, staying in sumptuous suites in hotels chosen for their proximity to cultural attractions and historic treasures. Their itinerary will begin in Munich with an Oktoberfest experience, then take them to Fes (Morocco), Peloponnese (Greece) and Tbilisi (Georgia), stopping in Palma de Mallorca, Sarajevo and Budapest. Aboard their flying palace (which normally holds 40 passengers but has been custom fitted to accommodate only 15), they’ll experience the finest in first class cuisine paired with fine wines and Champagne, served by a hand-picked cabin crew. Roundtrip, Business class airfare to Munich, Germany and returning from Budapest is included.
Sold for: $380,000Lot 15 — Town and Country
Three couples will spend three nights at Manhattan’s exclusive Knickerbocker Club to savor the high points of the city: tickets to Hamilton, a New York Yankees game in dugout adjacent seats, private tours of the Whitney Museum and the Asia Society Collection, a VIP visit to Tiffany’s bespoke jewelry department, an intimate dinner with Vanessa & Henry Cornell of Cornell Vineyards and more. At a separate time, they’ll travel to Sonoma for an immersive three-night experience at the Cornell estate, including private tastings, winemaker dinners and visits to partner wineries coordinated with the Cornell team. The winning bidders will take home a selection of Cornell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, including 2 Double Magnums and 4 Magnums of the 2018 vintage, plus a vertical selection of 2 750ml bottles each of Cornell Cabernet Sauvignon from 2013 through 2018.
Sold for: $160,000Lot 16 — Party Like a Rock Star, Eat and Drink Like Kings
Three couples will have the ultimate rock festival experience with Valerie Boyd & Jeff Gargiulo of Gargiulo Vineyards for five nights at the annual BottleRock Festival in Napa Valley for either 2022 or 2023. They’ll enjoy a VIP dinner and concert at Gargiulo Vineyards with a BottleRock performer, three days of platinum passes for the festival including access to the Platinum Lounge and dinner at Thomas Keller’s 3-starred Michelin restaurant The French Laundry. Each couple will take home a custom Taylor guitar as well as the following Gargiulo Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Magnums from the 2018 vintage: 575 OVX, OVX G Major 7 and Money Road Ranch. Roundtrip, private air via VistaJet to Napa is included.
Sold for: $650,000Lot 17 — The Glitter of Wine and Jewels
One couple will spend five nights at Milan’s Four Seasons Hotel as they delve into the world of Casa Pomellato, a leading jewelry house and one of the continent’s top jewelers. They’ll tour the facility and workshop before sitting down with creative director Vincenzo Castaldo to design their personal Casa Pomellato jewelry; in their spare time, they can take advantage of Milan’s rich cultural heritage and world-class dining. Back home, the winning couple and six guests will dine with Daphne & Bart Araujo at a restaurant of their choosing and also receive a vertical collection of Magnums of Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon in vintages 2013 through 2018.
Sold for: $150,000Lot 18 — First to Drive and Luxury in the Countryside
One couple will have the opportunity to own the very first 2022 Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner delivered to North America, a hand-made vehicle that represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury. After driving away in their vehicle the day of the auction, they’ll travel to England for a VIP tour of the Bentley factory at Crewe, including a fine dining experience on the Bentley production floor. Three days of touring in Great Britain, staying in unique, luxury accommodations, will culminate in a visit and private tour of The Macallan Estate & Distillery in Speyside, where they’ll see the step-by-step process by which one of the world’s great whiskies is made. Roundtrip, business class airfare to London included.
Sold for: $680,000Lot 19 — All That Jazz: From Montreux to Gstaad
An eight-night Jazz Festival and Switzerland summer adventure in July 2022 awaits two couples. Spend five nights at the 5-star Hotel Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreux, Switzerland, with a private tour and guide of Geneva before spending two days with Seated Hospitality Experience tickets to the Montreux Jazz Festival. While in Montreux, they will have a private tour of the vineyards of Lavaux, private boat excursion on Lake Geneva and a visit to Lausanne or Évian. Journey to Gstaad with First Class Golden Pass train transfer. In Gstaad, delight in the scenic beauty of Lake Lauenen in a horse drawn carriage, with a stop to enjoy an apéritif on the shore. The couples will also travel to Glacier 3000, with a breathtaking panorama of the Swiss Alps. Roundtrip, Business class airfare to Switzerland included.
Sold for: $150,000Lot 20 — Colorado is Calling, It’s Cuvée
Four couples will have five nights of exclusive use at Cuvée’s ultra-luxury 250-acre Triple C Ranch, which can accommodate up to 16 guests and is in Silverthorne, Colorado. Meals will be prepared by personal Cuvée chef, who will provide an introduction to ranch-style gastronomy. A wealth of equestrian activities will be supplemented in summer by fly fishing, rafting and ATV riding and augmented in winter by snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. They’ll have exclusive access to an Experience Curator, who will coordinate activities and deliver “The Art of Discovery” to a personalized stay at Triple C Ranch. Roundtrip, private air via VistaJet included.
Sold for: $280,000Lot 21 — From the Links to the Lakefront
Two couples will have take 13-night journey to New Zealand to play the North Island’s most celebrated golf courses while enjoying world-class accommodations, sightseeing, food and wine. Enjoy rounds of golf at Tara Iti Golf Club and Te Arai Links, two of the hardest tee times on the globe to arrange, as well as a round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, one of the North Island’s finest courses. Explore the South Island with a visit to Queenstown, an Otago resort built around an inlet in Lake Wakatipu. Take a VIP helicopter tour of the Milford Sound and enjoy private tour and tasting at Amisfield Vineyard. Finish New Zealand adventure with two nights at the luxurious Park Hyatt in Auckland. Roundtrip, business class airfare included.
Sold for: $260,000Lot 22 — The Best of Cabernet and Country
Two couples and up to 40 of their friends will enjoy private dinner and acoustic performance by Academy of Country Music Award-winning singer-songwriters Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans at either Silver Oak Winery in Alexander Valley, California, or in Naples, Florida. The farm-to-table dinner will be prepared by Silver Oak Winery chef Dominic Orsini. Winning bidders will also receive the following Large Format bottles of 2017 Silver Oak Napa Valley: 2 Methuselahs, 2 Jeroboams and 6 Magnums, all signed by David R. Duncan. Roundtrip, business class airfare and accommodations for two couples included if the dinner takes place in California.
Sold for: $440,000Lot 24 — When Rêves Become Reality
Four couples will spend five nights at Cuvée’s new villa, Vue de Rêves (View of Dreams), a private, ocean-hugging masterpiece in St. Barths with panoramic turquoise views and exquisite design. With five master en-suites on four different levels, the villa features thoughtful details and amenities, such as a wine cave carved into natural stone, a fire-meets-water infinity pool terrace and imported French fixtures. Guests will enjoy roundtrip, private air via Flexjet from Naples to St. Barths. Activities include a private catamaran cruise with private chef, a private cooking lesson at Eden Rock’s prestigious culinary school and an in-villa dinner prepared by Cuvée’s private chef.
Sold for: $600,000Lot 25 — Become an Honorary Parisian in the City of Light
Two couples will spend 14 nights in a two-bedroom apartment on the Left Bank. Planned with private concierge, bespoke, customized itinerary can include VIP museum tours, workshop visits, world-class food and sightseeing of their choice. In addition, the couples will have a choice of either a day trip to Versailles or at the Normandy beaches. The winning bidder will also enjoy 1.5-liter, 3-liter and 6-liter bottles of 2018 Poetry, Cliff Lede’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. Roundtrip, business class airfare included.
Sold for: $240,000Lot 26 — The Lagoon, The Capital and The Vineyard
One couple will experience seven nights of European luxury. They’ll begin in Venice with a stay at the Hotel Aman on the Grand Canal for three evenings, tour the city in a private gondola and enjoy an excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano. Then they’ll board the fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and travel in a Grand Suite to Paris, where the couple will stay at La Réserve for two nights and have lunch at the Michelin 2-starred Le Gabriel. Travels will take them to Bordeaux to tour the Médoc and experience life at Château Cos d’Estournel for two nights. For your next party, take home a 12-liter bottle of 2014 Château Cos d’Estournel.
Sold for: $360,000Lot 27 — A Day at the Races
Three couples will enjoy a six-night Royal Ascot experience June 10-16, 2022. First, they will spend two nights at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge and indulge in the city’s high points: private shopping at Harrods, a tour of the Queen’s Household Cavalry Barracks, dining at the most exclusive London clubs and a meal at the Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. When the bugle sounds for the races, they’ll be seated in Barbara Banke’s private box in the Royal Enclosure and take home four Salmanazar bottles of wine from Lokoya’s 2018 vintage: one each of Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder and Spring Mountain. Roundtrip, business class airfare and accommodations for two couples included if the dinner is in California.
Sold for: $750,000Lot 28 — The Serenity of Tuscany and the Jewels of Rome
Three couples will take an eight-night journey to Italy beginning at Monteverdi Tuscany’s luxurious private villa, Amiata, spending five nights at the villa to enjoy a spa, culinary academy, gardens, gym, library and art gallery with artists in residence, in addition to stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They’ll participate in a cooking class with the chef and enjoy a wine tasting led by the inhouse sommelier. From there, they will travel to Rome for three nights and stay in a 5-star hotel and have a private gems table experience at the Bulgari High Jewelry workshop.
Sold for: $260,000Lot 29 — Perfection in a Bottle
Winning bidder will own a 10-year vertical collection of Harlan Estate Magnums from the 2000-2009 vintages, presented in a one-of-a-kind, hand-built cherrywood presentation case lined and French-fitted with fine billiard cloth and bound in 4-ounce chestnut cowhide. The 2001, 2002 and 2007 vintages were rated a perfect 100 points by wine critic Robert Parker, Jr., and the scores of the other vintages in this collection follow close behind. The winning bidder will also have access to a private tour and tasting at Harlan Estate followed by an intimate lunch at the winery with the Harlan family and principals.
Sold for: $550,000Lot 30 — Tundra and Turf
Four couples, or eight people, will enjoy three days of world-class golf and football in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Winning bidders will stay at the Kohler Riverbend Mansion and have opportunity to play the Whistling Straits course, home to three PGA Championships and the 2020 Ryder Cup. After a day on the course, they’ll enjoy time on the turf with pregame field passes before watching a Packers home game with Shelly & Ralph Stayer in a private box overlooking the 45-yard line. Roundtrip, private air on a Global 6000 included.
Sold for: $240,000Lot 31 — Under the Tuscan Sun
Two couples will enjoy seven-night Italian getaway in Sienna and Montalcino, beginning with five-night stay in Executive Suites at the Relais Borgo Scopeto. Activities will include spa treatments, cooking classes and a private tour of the Borgo Scopeto winery in Chianti Classico. From there, they’ll travel to the northern hills of Montalcino and spend two nights at the Altesino Winery, tasting wines of Altesino and enjoying wine-paired dinner. Winning bidders will each receive a collection of wine from the Caparzo family, including Large Formats of 2011 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino; 2004 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino La Casa; 2012 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino; 2017 Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico; 2014 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino; and 2016 Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino. They’ll also receive a collection of 750-milliliter bottles of Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino La Casa (four each: 2004, 2008 and 2011) and 2011 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli. Roundtrip, Business class airfare provided.
Sold for: $320,000Lot 32 — Million Dollar Meal: ALL for the Kids!
Forty couples will partake in the first Million Dollar Meal at Bleu Provence in Naples in November. Multi-course meal will be prepared by executive chef and owner, Lysielle Cariot. Each course will highlight one of NCEF’s initiatives and will be paired with wines selected by Lysielle’s husband and co-owner, Jacques Cariot. All it takes is a paddle raise to contribute $25,000 per couple that will go 100% to children in need in Collier Country.
Sold for: $750,000Lot 33 — How to be the Coolest Ride in Town
Own the 2021 Mercedes-AMG G63 and take it for a spin on the open road. This remarkable vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and comes with four standard, state-of-the-art safety features. When you add the Diamond White Metallic exterior and Espresso Brown interior with the Exclusive Interior package, Bluetooth audio streaming and a 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system for blasting out your favorite tunes, this will be the coolest ride in town.
Sold for: $600,000Lot 34 — Serenity and Enlightenment in Southeast Asia
Two couples will embark on a magical 12-night luxury exploration of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. They’ll begin in Bangkok, with a tour of the Grand Palace, visit to the temples of Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Seket and the opportunity to sample the best of the city’s street food. In Chiang Mai, spend time at an elephant sanctuary and learn how to interact with and care for the animals. Then the couples will cruise on the Mekong River to Pak Ou in Laos to see the caves that house more than 10,000 Buddha statues. At Siem Riep in Cambodia, they’ll visit the greatest temple complex of them all — Angkor Wat. Roundtrip, Business class airfare included.
Sold for: $380,000Lot 35 — Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend
One couple will journey to Paris for three nights to attend the exclusive launch of the 2022 Chanel High Jewelry Collection, attend the black-tie gala dinner, enjoy accommodations at a 5-star hotel and have the opportunity to be the first to view and purchase items from the Collection. The couple will walk in the footsteps of Coco with a private visit to the historic Chanel archives, an experience not available to the public and also have personal tours of 31 Rue Cambon, the private apartment of Coco Chanel and her legendary Couture House, where she worked and hosted influential artists of her time. Roundtrip, business class airfare included.
Sold for: $142,000Lot 36 — In the Footsteps of the Antinori Family
Two couples will take a six-night Italian excursion to visit the Antinori family estate. Journey begins with two nights’ accommodations in Apartment Suites in Florence at Palazzo Antinori, with dinners, lunch and a tour of the Uffizi Museum. Then continue to the heart of Chianti Classico for a 2-night stay at Tenuta Tignanello, home of the vineyards for both Tignanello and Solaia. Enjoy tours, tasting and dinner at the Michelin-starred Osteria di Passignano. From there, they’ll travel via helicopter to Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast for a visit to the estate of Guado al Tasso for on evening. The trip concludes with another helicopter ride to Umbria plus a tour, tasting and dinner at Castello della Sala. The winning bidder will take home three Double Magnums of Tignanello (1 each: 2011, 2015 and 2017) and 3 Magnums of Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore DOC (1 each: 2012, 2014 and 2018).
Sold for: $580,000Lot 37 — An Escape to Paradise on Virgin Gorda
You may think you’ve experienced paradise, but you haven’t been to Oil Nut Bay, spread over 400 acres on the northeast coast of Virgin Gorda. Four couples will spend five nights in the serenity of The Beach House, complete with a striking infinity pool, firepit with seating, oversized living spaces for lounging and entertaining and a private path leading directly to the beach. Amenities include a daily private chef and server, active pursuits such as hiking, snorkeling or watersports, sailing on a Champagne cruise, relaxation in the spa or day trips to Joost Van Dyke or Cooper Island. Roundtrip, private air from Naples to Beef Island is included.
Sold for: $340,000Lot 38 — Regal Ranch Retreat with Colgin Cellars
Private jet will transport two couples to the high desert of Wyoming, where 5-star Relais & Château retreat is a working cattle ranch. Activities such as horseback riding, hiking and trail running, mountain biking and fly fishing will be augmented by two dinners with Master Sommelier Paul Roberts, COO of Colgin Cellars. Roberts will guide couples through wines of Colgin Cellars, a world renowned winery ensconced in the hills overlooking Napa Valley, named “One of the Fifty Greatest Wine Estates in the World” by Robert Parker, Jr. Winning bidder will take home four Double Magnum bottles, including one each of the 2012 Colgin Tychson Hill, Cariad, IX Estate and IX Estate Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon. Roundtrip, Private air included.
Sold for: $340,000Lot 39 — Priceless Jewels and Timeless Watches
Three exciting nights in New York City in September with VIP access to Chopard’s most anticipated international event is waiting for two lucky couples. A HondaJet Elite via Jet It will whisk them from Naples to New York City, where they’ll stay in a 5-star hotel. A private viewing of Chopard’s newest Red Carpet Collection, a private tour of the Chopard New York City boutique, a preview of the special collections for the Grand Opening and access to the ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Scheufele family can’t be missed. Along with insider access, enjoy orchestra seats at a top Broadway show and fine food at a 5-star fine dining restaurant in the heart of Manhattan.
Sold for: $140,000Lot 40 — Visions of Viñedos and Perfect Patagonia
A seven-night South American wine and outdoor nature excursion for two couples includes two nights at the Sheraton Miromar Hotel in Valparaíso, Chile. They’ll tour the city, enjoy decadent meals at Turri Restaurant and Fauna Restaurant, plus immerse themselves in wine with a private tour, tasting and meal at both Seña and Don Maximiano Estate and Winery. They’ll stay for one night at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, enjoying intimate look into the Viñedo Chadwick estate with a private tour, tasting and lunch. The journey continues with a flight to the bottom of the continent, in Torres Del Paine, Patagonia. Enjoy the beauty of this untouched landscape at Relais & Châteaux Awasi, Patagonia, where you will have a private guide to customize outdoor excursions each day, returning to the delicacies the resort has to offer each night. They’ll receive a selection of Large Format bottles from each of the estates visited, including a 9-liter bottle of 2019 Seña Aniversario, plus four Jeroboams and 6 Magnums. Business Class Airfare from Miami to Valparaíso, Chile, and returning from Puerto Natales, Patagonia, is provided.
Sold for: $420,000Lot 41 — The View from the Dundee Hills
Two couples will enjoy four-night luxury wine experience in Oregon at the Domaine Serene Winery Hill House with a wide range of delights: a welcome tasting featuring rare library wines; a walk with Grace Evenstad through her extensive gardens; dinner with wine pairings at Domaine Serene Wine Lodge at Lake Oswego; and your choice of either a private helicopter tour of the six Domaine Serene Vineyard Estates or a hot air balloon ride over Willamette Valley. The couples will take home will take home a 48-bottle assortment of top wines from both Domaine Serene and Château de la Crée, the Evenstad estate in Burgundy. Roundtrip, business class airfare included.
Sold for: $360,000Lot 42 — The World at Your Door
Two couples will spend 14 nights aboard The World, the most exclusive residential yacht on earth. The World has the only full-sized tennis court at sea, a 7,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, a wine cellar holding 16,000 bottles and a staff of 250 to service the ship’s 165 residences. You’ll enjoy massages at The World’s spa and wellness center, one in-residence dinner prepared by a private chef according to the winners’ preferences and one vertical wine tasting with the onboard sommelier. Your 1,100 square-foot suite will have every possible amenity, and you’ll have an itinerary of over 100 ports to choose from. The winning bidders will also take home 12 750-milliliter bottles of 2016 Bodega 202 “Ansa.” Roundtrip, business class airfare included.
Sold for: $460,000Lot 43 — The Future is Now
Experience the best of Naples while you eagerly await the upcoming 2023 NWWF. A year-long membership to the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club and a round of golf at the private Calusa Pines Golf Club is just the start. The winners will also receive 2 $5,000 gift certificates for the ladies to shop at Marissa Collections and 2 $5,000 credits toward a trouser, shirt and jacket at élevée Fine Clothing for the gentlemen. Also included is a 2021 Moke, a 20th-century collectible car, to transport you around town in style. In addition, the winners will also receive a 2023 NWWF Jeroboam package. They will have guaranteed access to the Thursday Grand Crew Party, Meet the Kids Day, Vintner Dinner, Live Auction, Wine Down and Sunday Celebration Brunch, while staying for 3 nights in Resort View rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.
Sold for: $400,000Lot 44 — Fund A Need: Raise the Grade
This is the only lot in this year’s auction that won’t have a sole winning bidder. Everyone who bids on this lot will be a winner, and the biggest winners will be the underserved children of Collier County. We’re asking for your help for our education initiatives: Early Learning, Out-of-School Time and Career and College Readiness. Every dollar raised will go to support NCEF’s education initiatives to focus on the future of Collier County’s children. Bid high and bid often: It’s ALL for the kids.
Sold for: $4,071,550
Journalist Gina Birch contributed to this report.