Inside the Naples Winter Wine Festival’s Most Luxurious Sonoma Escape

Naples Winter Wine Festival Brings Sonoma Luxury to Florida

When luxury, philanthropy, and world-class flavor collide, you get the Naples Winter Wine Festival—one of the most prestigious charity wine events on the planet. From January 30 to February 1, 2026, Southwest Florida once again becomes the epicenter of elite culinary culture as winemakers, chefs, collectors, and philanthropists gather for a weekend that goes far beyond fine wine.

This year’s festival is generating major buzz thanks to a standout collaboration between Jesse Katz, founder of Aperture Cellars, and acclaimed Sonoma County chef Dustin Valette. Together, the duo is offering one of the event’s most coveted auction lots: The Sonoma Experience, an immersive journey through Northern California’s wine country that blends behind-the-scenes access, Michelin-recognized cuisine, and unforgettable hospitality.

Why the Naples Winter Wine Festival Is a Global Luxury Event

Recognized as one of the most successful charity wine festivals in the world, the Naples Winter Wine Festival is a cornerstone of Florida’s winter social season. Each year, it attracts high-net-worth collectors, global tastemakers, and philanthropic leaders who understand that the most meaningful luxury experiences are the ones that give back.

Proceeds from the festival directly support children’s health and education initiatives through the Naples Children & Education Foundation, making every glass poured and every bid placed part of a larger mission.

It’s philanthropy with purpose—served alongside Grand Cru wines and chef-driven menus.

Learn more about the festival at

https://www.napleswinefestival.com

 https://www.ncef.org

The Sonoma Experience: A Naples Winter

Wine Festival Highlight

One of the most talked-about offerings at the Naples Winter Wine Festival 2026 is The Sonoma Experience, a once-in-a-lifetime auction lot curated by Katz and Valette. Designed for serious wine lovers and culinary insiders, the experience transports winning bidders from Florida to Sonoma County for an intimate look at the art of winemaking and fine dining.

Guests will enjoy private tastings at Aperture Cellars, where Katz—one of California’s most respected first-generation winemakers—has built a reputation for precision, sustainability, and expressive terroir-driven wines. The journey continues with chef-hosted dining experiences led by Valette, whose restaurants are celebrated for elevating Sonoma’s local ingredients through refined yet soulful cuisine.

Explore Aperture Cellars here: https://www.aperture-cellars.com

Meet the Tastemakers Behind the Experience

Jesse Katz has become a defining voice in modern American winemaking, blending innovation with reverence for the land. His work at Aperture Cellars emphasizes site-specific wines crafted from sustainably farmed vineyards across Sonoma County.

Dustin Valette, meanwhile, is widely recognized for his Michelin-recognized culinary philosophy, which marries technique with storytelling. His approach mirrors the ethos of the Naples Winter Wine Festival itself: thoughtful, elevated, and deeply human.

Together, Katz and Valette represent a new generation of luxury leaders—ones who understand that today’s most compelling experiences are about access, authenticity, and impact.

Why This Story Matters for Florida—and Beyond

While the event takes place in Naples, the influence of the Naples Winter Wine Festival stretches far beyond Southwest Florida. The festival places Naples on the national and international stage during peak season, attracting attention from collectors, media, and luxury travelers who follow the world’s most exclusive food and wine events.

For Florida audiences, it reinforces the state’s growing reputation as a serious player in global luxury culture. For international readers—whether in Miami, Dubai, or beyond—it offers a glimpse into the kind of philanthropic, experience-driven lifestyle that defines today’s elite social calendar.

Luxury With Purpose, Served by the Glass

At its core, the Naples Winter Wine Festival 2026 proves that luxury and generosity can—and should—coexist. With unforgettable auction lots like The Sonoma Experience, visionary leaders like Jesse Katz and Dustin Valette, and a mission centered on children’s futures, the festival continues to set the gold standard for charitable events worldwide.

For those who believe the best experiences leave a lasting impact long after the last sip,

Naples is the place to be this winter.