Naples Winter Wine Festival
- Clay W. Cone
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Set to return for 27th year on January 29-31, 2027
The Naples Children Foundation (NCF), the founding organization of the world-renowned Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), has announced the NWWF will return for its 27th annual celebration featuring some of the world’s most exclusive wines, delectable food and amazing travel experiences on January 29-31, 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.
With three days of festival activities, the 2027 NWWF will once again showcase dozens of top vintners and award-winning chefs who generously donate their time and talents at intimate private dinners throughout Naples, plus an exciting live auction with unique, one-of-a-kind lots.
This year’s theme “Hope Sings” together with the tagline “A brighter tomorrow takes the stage.” celebrates the idea that when a community lifts its voice in support of children, hope doesn’t just exist—it resonates, it inspires and it leads to a brighter future. Festival supporters, vintners, chefs and donors will create a chorus of generosity to transform the lives of children in need.
“Hope is often the first step toward change,” said Ashley Gerry, 2027 NWWF Co-Chair. “For many children served through the NCF’s grants, hope begins quietly—in access to healthcare, education and support that might otherwise be out of reach. But through the generosity of our donors, vintners, chefs, sommeliers and partners, that hope grows stronger. It finds its voice.”
Ashley is a philanthropist who has made it her job to invest in community. For over 15 years, her passion for bettering the lives of others has led her to champion some of the most successful nonprofits serving those most in need across the region. At NCF, she has served as a Board member, as 2026 NWWF Co-Chair, and on the Live and Online Auction Lot Committees.
Joining Ashley as Co-Chairs for the 2027 Naples Winter Wine Festival are Kelley Bailey, Nena Beynon, Valerie Boyd and Debbi Cary. These women provide a tremendous amount of past festival experience combined with extensive nonprofit leadership service in the community.
As co-owner of the Knights Bridge Winery in Sonoma County, California, Kelley Bailey brings over three decades of wine industry experience to shaping the estate’s vision and future. A New York native, Kelley began her career in 1987 at Bridgehampton Winery before moving to Northern California and spending nearly 30 years with Jackson Family Wines, where she rose to Executive Vice President of Marketing and later President of the Spire Collection. Since retiring, she continues to serve in an advisory role while focusing on Knights Bridge Winery.
Nena Beynon is a Naples-based philanthropist and former public-school educator whose commitment to community has defined both her professional and personal life. After a career in the classroom, she channeled her passion for service into Southwest Florida’s philanthropic landscape. Nena has served as a Co-Chair of the NWWF during four of the last five years.
A fifth generation Floridian, Valerie Boyd is a Founding Trustee of NCF and previously served as Chairman of the Board for the organization and chaired the NWWF auction. She also has served on the NCF Grant Committee and is active on other boards in Florida and California. A proprietor of Gargiulo Vineyards along with husband Jeff Gargiulo, Valerie graduated from Florida State University and spent 40 years in real estate development and banking.
Debbi Cary attended her first Naples Winter Wine Festival in 2013 and was blown away by the impact the event had on thousands of children in need. Since then, she has been an active supporter of the Foundation and, with her husband Bill Cary, joined as Trustees in 2015. Debbi served on the Grant Committee and as a member of the NCF Board of Directors.
The 27th annual NWWF comes following another successful celebration in January 2026 during which over $30 million was raised. Funds are distributed by NCF via traditional annual grants to local nonprofits and multi-partner and multi-year strategic initiatives focusing on the well-being of the whole child, including early learning, healthcare, child advocacy and out-of-school time.
“Excitement is already starting to build for the 2027 Naples Winter Wine Festival, which will highlight some of the world’s most extraordinary wines, travel packages and unique experiences found nowhere else in the world,” said 2027 NWWF Co-Chair Kelley Bailey. “Most importantly, every dollar raised during our live auction under the big tent will benefit kids in our community.”
For further details, please visit: napleswinefestival.com/about-the-festival.
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