FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2006

NAPLES, FLORIDA - For the third year in its six-year history, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised more money than any charity wine event in the world! And today's total sets a new record. No other charity wine event has ever raised as much money.

Today's auction pulled in a record $12.2 million. The total amount raised with ticket sales, the raffle and sponsor monies is more than $13.7 million.

Featuring an all-star lineup of world-renowned vintners, celebrity chefs, wine aficionados, culinary enthusiasts and celebrities, the weekend's highlight was Saturday's International Wine Auction at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Golf Resort. A sellout crowd of 500+ bid on outstanding lots, presided over by auctioneers Ann Colgin, a consultant for Sotheby's and the proprietor of Colgin Cellars in Napa Valley and Humphrey Butler of Simon C. Dickenson Group, a former director at both Sotheby's and Christie's.

The auction included rare wines, exceptional food experiences and one-of-a-kind luxury travel packages all donated by festival trustees, vintners, chefs, sponsors and wine lovers.

"While I'm thrilled that we set another record this year, records aren't what we are all about. The most important result is all the good this money will do for the children," said wine festival chair Grace Evenstad. "I am so proud of all the participants in this year’s auction."

Two lots finished in a tie as the highest for the day: the Ferrari F-430 Spyder and a Mediterranean yachting excursion for five couples featuring 3-three liter 2002 Gargiulo wines both went for $520,000.

Other highlights include:
Lot 28 - A 206 Bentley Continental Flying Spur sold for $440,000.

Lot 35 - Two one-week western Mediterranean excursions for 6 couples went for $420,000 each.

Lot 56 - A seven-day Argentine excursion with 3-three liter 2004 Antucura, 6- 1.5 liter 2004 Antucura and 12-750ml 2003 Antucura went for $380,000.

Lot 63 - A 12-day South African adventure with tennis great Johan Kriek for three couples with safari, tennis and dining went for $320,000.

Celebrities gracing the wine festival this year included chef Emeril Lagasse, actress Jane Seymour, Judge Judy Shiendlin, former MLB pitcher Sterling Hitchcock, Regis & Kelly producer Michael Gelman, and Phantom of the Opera star Franc D'Ambrosio.

On Friday night, guests participated in one of 17 simultaneously held vintner dinners, each of which paired a well-known chef with a visiting vintner, at some of Naples' most beautiful homes and exclusive addresses. Featured vintners included Shari & Garen Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyard, Ann Colgin of Colgin Cellars, Grace & Ken Evanstad of Domaine Serene, Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo or Gargiulo Vineyards, Ann & Dick Grace of Grace Family Vineyards, and Elizabeth and Clarke Swanson of Swanson vineyards pouring their best vintages in the name of charity.

Saturday's auction was held under a tent at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples Golf Resort, which is also the venue for Sunday's Celebration Brunch.

The Naples Winter Wine Festival and The Naples Children and Education Foundation were established by Naples families who share a passion for great wine, fabulous food and bettering their community. In just six years, they've brought the charitable dollar amount to more than $38.8 million, all benefiting local children's charities.

Past beneficiaries include The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Collier County Child Advocacy Council, Collier Health Services, The David Lawrence Center, Early Years Education Foundation, ELLM Program, Foster Care Council of SW Florida, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, Guadalupe Center, Learning Connection of Naples, Marco "Eye-Land” Eradicate Amblyopia Foundation, Naples Equestrian Challenge, PACE Center for Girls, Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Ricky King Foundation, Shelter for Abused Women & Children and Step by Step-Childhood Education and Therapy Center.

The next festival will be held February 2-4, 2007. For further details and information surrounding the 2006 event please visit our web site at www.napleswinefestival.com or call the wine festival office at (239) 514-2239.