Pack your bags and take flight with Southwest Florida Children’s Charities, Inc. this winter. “Your Passport Awaits: Destination Hope” is the theme of the 2026 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. We’ll take a trip around the world without ever departing from the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tickets for the two-day journey, as well as the one-day getaway Grand Tasting & Auction, are now on sale. Learn more at https://swflwinefest.org/.

Guests participating in the full weekend of activities will enjoy exquisite dinners in unique settings and luxury homes throughout Southwest Florida on Friday night, Feb. 27. The following afternoon, mix and mingle in our flight lounge and dining salon at the Hyatt Regency beginning at noon on Feb. 28. At 2:30 p.m., take your seat, buckle up, and get ready to raise the roof bidding on more than 25 fabulous auction lots. Support enhancements to children’s healthcare in our region, through meaningful artwork created by children, for children’s and adult’s enjoyment; stock your wine cellar with limited-volume wine releases, and customize your itinerary on land, sea, and air, with our one-of-a-kind travel-themed auction lots. And let’s not forget the exceptional wines being poured from our featured, participating vintners, and delicious tastes being presented by our acclaimed area chefs. You will find a complete list of participants, our Event Co-Chairs, and generous sponsors and supporters on the Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest website.

The 17th annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place on Feb. 27 & 28. 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.

“There is such energy and anticipation around the 2026 event. All of us involved in supporting our community’s health and resilience, are eager to see how much we can raise in 2026, adding to more than $32 million that has already been shared in our community since the SWFL Wine & Food Fest’s inception 16 years ago,” said Josh Dorcey, President, SWFL Children’s Charities.

The 2026 Honored Signature Vintner, Gamble Estates, has been a partner of the festival for many years and hosted a 2026 event preview kickoff party.

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. Most event proceeds will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Tickets are now available. To attend a dinner, attendees should choose weekend tickets to then register for preferred dinners. 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 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.