Naples Winter Wine Festival Named Best Wine Festival in the U.S. for Second Consecutive Year

NAPLES, Fla. — The Naples Winter Wine Festival has been named the Best Wine Festival in the United States for 2026 in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the national recognition for the second consecutive year.

The festival is organized by the Naples Children Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind one of Southwest Florida’s most prominent philanthropic events.

Each year, the Naples Winter Wine Festival brings together internationally recognized vintners, award-winning chefs, philanthropists and supporters for three days of culinary experiences, private wine dinners and an energetic live auction featuring rare wines, luxury travel and one-of-a-kind experiences.

The 2026 festival raised more than $30 million to support the Naples Children Foundation’s mission of improving the lives of vulnerable children in Collier County.

“We are delighted to once again be recognized as the best wine festival in the United States,” said Lisa Juliano, senior vice president of Naples Winter Wine Festival and event production. “This honor is a tribute to our incredible trustees, volunteers, partners, vintners, chefs, supporters and patrons who made this recognition possible.”

Since the inaugural Naples Winter Wine Festival in 2001, the event has raised more than $366 million for programs serving children throughout Collier County.

The Naples Children Foundation directs funding toward organizations and initiatives focused on education, emotional well-being and health. According to the foundation, its work has supported nearly 90 nonprofit organizations and helped provide services and resources to approximately 420,000 children.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Planning is already underway for the 27th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival, scheduled for Jan. 29-31, 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

The 2027 festival will carry the theme “Hope Sings: A Brighter Tomorrow Takes the Stage” and will once again feature acclaimed wines, culinary experiences and exclusive auction packages, with proceeds benefiting children in the local community.

Celebrated American chef Charlie Palmer has been selected as the festival’s 2027 Chef de Cuisine.

Palmer is known for a culinary career spanning restaurants, hospitality concepts and hotels across the United States. Additional participating chefs and vintners are expected to be announced as planning continues.

Weekend ticket packages begin at $17,500 per couple for the Double Magnum package. A Jeroboam package for two couples begins at $40,000.

More information about the festival is available at napleswinefestival.com.

A Signature Naples Tradition With a Philanthropic Mission

Beyond its reputation for exceptional food and wine, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has become a significant fundraising platform for children’s causes in Southwest Florida.

Guests attend intimate vintner dinners hosted in private homes and notable venues throughout Naples before gathering for the festival’s signature auction, where bidders compete for curated travel, culinary, wine and lifestyle experiences.

The Naples Children Foundation uses proceeds from the festival to support grants, strategic initiatives and partnerships designed to address critical needs affecting children in Collier County.

Through its combination of luxury hospitality and charitable giving, the Naples Winter Wine Festival continues to draw national attention while maintaining its central mission: creating long-term opportunities for local children and families.

Collaborator Credit: Clay W. Cone