There are wine festivals and then there are wine festivals.

Naples (Florida) Wine Festival is one of the most renown. Since its inception in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised $38.8 million for children in need, with a record $12.2 million raised under the auction tent in 2006.

It’s probably too late to think about going for this year (January 26-28) but definitely put it on your calendar for next year. Every year seems to out do the previous year.

This year celebrity chefs include Emeril Lagasse, Daniel Boulud, and Tom Colicchio plus a list of who’s who in the rising stars of chefdom and James Beard winners and nominees.

Celebrity chefs will cook at intimate dinners at the mansions of Naples residents. Vintners arrive from around the globe –  California, France, Italy, and Spain to participate as well.

This year’s coveted auction items include:

• lunch with Martha Stewart at her home in Connecticut
• private wine tasting in Napa Valley vineyards and estates
• collector bottles of wine
• 7 days in Argentina
• Rolls-Royce convertible
• truffle and private wine dinner at Thomas Keller’s new restaurant in New York
• 16-night cruise to Antarctica
• and many more astounding auction items (71 total).

The unforgettable weekend promises never to be forgotten and it can be yours for $7,500 per couple plus optional costs.

Start saving for 2008.