Rare Champagne Makes Significant Impact at Naples Winter Wine Festival by Raising $30 Million

Rare Champagne Shines at Naples Winter Wine Festival

On January 31, 2026, Rare Champagne once again graced the prestigious Naples Winter Wine Festival, held at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton in Naples, California. This year marked the 26th anniversary of the festival, which has established itself as a leading charity event over the years, raising an impressive total of over $366 million since its inception in 2001. Rare Champagne has been a consistent supporter, proudly delivering exceptional elegance and exclusivity while contributing to a noble cause.

During a live auction, Rare Champagne made headlines by raising more than $30 million, a testament to the event's continued allure and generosity of participants. One of the standout auction lots was titled “In the Footsteps of a Queen with Rare Champagne,” which garnered a remarkable bid of $350,000. This exclusive lot promised a luxurious experience that encapsulated the grandeur of both French culture and the exquisite craftsmanship behind Rare Champagne.

Luxury Experience Highlights

The winning party will indulge in a six-night journey through France, starting with three nights in Paris. Here, they will enjoy a private visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, including exclusive access to Queen Marie Antoinette’s private chambers, and a visit to the prestigious Maison Mellerio, known as the oldest family-owned jewelry house in France.

The adventure continues in Reims for another three nights, where guests will partake in a VIP vineyard and cellar tour accompanied by Rare Champagne's Chef de Cave, Émilien Boutillat. This insider experience culminates in a special tasting that celebrates the essence of the brand. Visitors can also explore the iconic Reims Cathedral and relax in lavish suites at the restored Résidence Eisenhower.

To crown this exceptional experience, a multi-course wine-paired dinner will showcase the vertical tasting of Rare Champagne vintages from 1985 to 2015. Each couple participating in this extraordinary journey will take home magnums of Rare Millésime 2008 and Rare Rosé Millésime 2014, allowing them to savor the memories of their trip long after returning home.

Commitment to Philanthropy

Maud Rabin, the Directrice of Rare Champagne, expressed deep gratitude towards the festival: “At Rare Champagne, we honor the patience of time and the artistry of nature in every bottle. To see our cuvées play a part in the remarkable generosity of the Naples Winter Wine Festival is deeply rewarding.” Her sentiments reflect the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift children in need across communities.

The funds generated by this year's auction will be funneled into local organizations, aiding strategic initiatives that directly support the youth of Collier County. The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), which oversees the distribution of awards, will announce results on March 16, 2025.

A Legacy of Excellence

Rare Champagne’s dedication to excellence is evident as it has successfully raised $1,580,000 for charity through its contributions to the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Their history began in 1785, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck first introduced a cuvée meant for royalty. Today, Rare Champagne continues that legacy, delivering a limited selection of vintages with a commitment to both quality and social responsibility. The house was a pioneer in gaining B Corp Certification in Champagne in 2022, reaffirming its dedication to exceptional standards in both product and practice.

The combination of philanthropy, luxury, and history makes Rare Champagne's presence at the Naples Winter Wine Festival not only an event to enjoy fine wines but also an opportunity to make a substantial impact through collective generosity. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, Rare Champagne remains a cornerstone in its mission to support children in need.