The majority of the 65 lots feature rare wine, mostly large format,bringing together an unrivaled assortment of hard-to-find vintagesincluding various lots that feature a 27-liter bottle from Revana FamilyVineyards; five Magnums of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti; a never-beforereleased Salmanazar, which holds a complete case of wine, from ColginCellars; and a single lot consisting of a hand-signed Magnum from each ofthe festival's 28 participating vintners.

A Hollywood-focused lot offers two tickets to the 2009 Primetime EmmyAwards and entitles the winner to be drawn in as a character on TheSimpsons TV show. Lots featuring unique and distinctive trips take winnerson a wild boar hunt in Tuscany, through the sub-continent of India, to thefinals of American Idol or to an "ultimate house party" at Blackberry Farmwith special guest and Grammy-award winning artist, Martina McBride.Jewelry lots hold special pieces from Cartier, Chopard and Bulgari, and onelot offers a shopping spree at Tiffany & Co.

"The incredible generosity and imagination behind the 2009 auction lots isgenerating a great deal of excitement, and we are very grateful to thedonors," said Tom Galloway, co-chairman of the festival with his wifeConnie, both of whom are NCEF trustees. "Given the challenging economictimes, the auction lots have heightened significance for the thousands ofchildren who need our help now more than ever. And with 100 percent of themoney raised under the tent going directly to the children, we look forwardto making a big difference in their lives."

Also among the one-of-a-kind excursions are a private yacht vacation for12; luxury trips to Australia, New York, New Mexico and Italy; and intimatevineyard estate dinners. "Vintners have added exceptional experiences totheir rare wine lots," said Connie Galloway. "Araujo Estate is presenting aprivate dinner in their wine caves in Calistoga, Calif., and Il Molino diGrace is hosting an exclusive dinner in an exotic treehouse on theirvineyard property in Italy." Other vintner-hosted private dinners includeSalvatore Ferragamo's Il Borro, Robert Mondavi Winery, Screaming Eagle,Shafer Vineyards, Cos d'Estournel, Sloan Estate, Domaine Serene, JorianHill Vineyard, Dominio de Pingus, HdV Wines and Peter Michael Winery.

In addition to the auction, the festival takes guests on a tour ofchildren's charities that benefit from the auction proceeds, followed by alunch and wine tasting guided by some of California's finest vintners. OnFriday evening, vintner dinners are hosted in the elegant homes of 17trustees. At the dinners, esteemed vintners and celebrity chefs includingEmeril Lagasse, Jonathan Benno, Linton Hopkins, Bob Kinkead and Mary AnnEsposito present a five- to seven-course dining experience. (For completelists of participating vintners and chefs, visitwww.napleswinefestival.com.)

On Saturday, there is a culinary showcase and wine tasting that precedesthe auction on the grand lawn of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. Inthe evening, there is a "wine"-down party, and on Sunday, the festivalconcludes with a celebration brunch.

The Naples Winter Wine Festival has been ranked by Wine Spectator magazineas the nation's top charity wine auction since 2004. The founding trusteeshad a vision to create an exquisite event that would raise funds forchildren's charities in Collier County, Fla. Since the first festival in2001, $69.5 million has been raised toward making a profound andsustainable difference for children in need.

Festival ticket packages are $7,500 per couple; $20,000 for reservedseating at the same vintner dinner for two couples. Tickets are limited to550 guests. For a schedule of 2009 festivities and more information aboutthe Naples Winter Wine Festival, please visit www.napleswinefestival.com,or call the wine festival office at 888-837-4919.