EVENTS

Naples Winter Wine Festival auction prizes will include Olympics, safari

Shelby Reynolds
Naples

Those under the auction tent at the 2019 Naples Winter Wine Festival will be able to bid on a chance to attend the 2020 Olympics opening ceremony in Tokyo.

They also will be able to bid on private tours across Europe's ancient cities and a guided safari in South Africa.

A paddle sits on a chair during the Naples Winter Wine Festival Auction on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Fla.

Organizers of the 19th annual event announced Thursday the first round of auction lots that will be up for bid. And they're as extravagant as ever:

  • VIP red carpet access to the 2019 or 2020 Tribeca Film Festival as a guest of world-renowned jeweler Bulgari.
  • Trips to prominent wine-making regions, including Opus One in Napa Valley and Ceretto in the Piedmont region of Italy.
  • One of the first Bentley Continental GT convertibles in North America.

More:Naples Winter Wine Festival announces lineup of featured chefs, vintners for 2019

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The three-day Naples Winter Wine Festival, which has become one of the top charity wine auctions in the country, combines the best of wine and food with renowned chefs and a live auction. Guests can bid on luxury cars and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Proceeds benefit services for children of low-income families in Collier County through the Naples Children & Education Foundation. The festival last year collected more than $15.1 million for NCEF’s grants and strategic initiatives. This year, NCEF will target children’s mental health for its annual Fund a Need initiative

Next year's 19th annual festival, which will have the theme "Joy to the World," is scheduled for Jan. 25 through 27 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in North Naples.

LeBron James, left, and Kobe Bryant won gold medals together at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Charles Krupa/AP file FILE - In this Aug. 12, 2012, file photo, Lebron James, left, and Kobe Bryant pose with their gold medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Los Angeles Lakers have a new superstar — L.A.-Bron. The four-time NBA MVP announced Sunday night, July 1, 2018, that he has agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers. "Welcome to the family (at)KingJames," Bryant said on Twitter . "(hash)lakers4life (hash)striveforgreatness." (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Ticket packages to the festival will be limited to 600 guests and start at $12,500 per couple. A $30,000 package will cover reserved seating for a party of four under the festival tent and at a vintner dinner the night before the auction in private homes and settings throughout Naples. 

See napleswinefestival.com for more information.