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.