Wine fest draws big spenders

NAPLES — The Naples Winter Wine Festival auction's luxurious lots raised $13.5 million on Saturday, a 59% jump over last year's auction results.

The top wine lot drew a winning bid of $400,000. A trip to Israel drew $450,000 and a Lamborghini sports car drew $900,000. Wine Spectator magazine has ranked the festival as the most successful charity wine auction for nine years.

In addition to the auction, the three-day event this weekend offered dinners with famous chefs and vintners. The proceeds go to charities in the region that benefit children.

The festival co-chairs this year were Anne Welsh McNulty, Linda Richards Malone and Adria Starkey.