Southwest Florida Children’s Charities, Inc. will continue its long-term commitment to the region’s pediatric healthcare system by celebrating the gift of giving with its 2026 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest theme of “Your Passport Awaits: Destination Hope.” This year, we invite attendees on a journey of discovery, where every wine pour and culinary tasting is a passport stamp to an extraordinary experience–while inspiring hope for our youngest residents as we soar to new heights together, advancing pediatric healthcare across the region.

The 17th annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place on February 27 & 28, 2026. The two-day extravaganza kicks off at the Chef Vintner Dinners to be hosted in private luxury homes throughout the region to experience culinary creations from honorary chefs and mindfully paired with exclusive wineries. The co-chairs of the 2026 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest are long-time supporters and Trustees of the organization, David & Katy Ciccarello and Michael & Renee Ciccarello.

“It’s all about the children. They are the reason we come together every year,” said Josh Dorcey, President, SWFL Children’s Charities. “Together, we can make a real difference, and we invite anyone who shares our passion for supporting children in our community to join us in making 2026 truly extraordinary.”

Festivities continue with The Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, February 28 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida, where guests will savor chefs’ signature creations and taste wines from participating vintners. Guests will raise their paddles for the opportunities to take home international travel vacations, luxury and exhilarating experiences and opportunities to fund additional children’s causes.

The 2026 Honored Signature Vintner is Gamble Estates and has been a partner of the festival for many years. “The team at Gamble Estates is thrilled to be named the signature vintner this year. I look forward to representing our estate at the upcoming festival in February,” said Tom Gamble, owner of the Napa Valley winery.

Funds raised at the auction will benefit SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s efforts to provide lifesaving care, educational programs and lasting solutions that enable a secure future for the children of Southwest Florida. A majority of the proceeds will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

Since its inception as a Rotary event in 2004, the festival has donated more than $32 Million in donations to enhance pediatric healthcare in Southwest Florida.

Sponsorships and pre-sale tickets are now available. To learn more about the 2026 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit www.swflwinefest.org.   

About SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. 

SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to saving children’s lives by supporting the region’s growing pediatric health care system. SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has donated more than $32 million over the past 16 years in support of children’s health initiatives. Proceeds from the 2026 event will support pediatric health care services in the Southwest Florida region including the Golisano Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.