The Boca Raton and Napa Valley Vintners merged this past January as 100 of Napa’s top wineries gathered for the inaugural Artisans of Wine & Food event. The weekend, filled with decadent wine and culinary experiences, was hosted by the iconic Florida resort and private club that’s soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Napa Valley’s finest teamed with more than 20 renowned chefs, many Michelin-starred, to craft a series of indulgent activations throughout the multi-faceted resort property.
The weekend, presented by Capital One, was orchestrated by some of the world’s most renowned culinary minds such as legendary Chef David Breeden, and famed Chef and Restaurateur Mario Carbone. Attendees had a choice of Friday night events, hosted by luminary brands such as Brioni, Lugano Diamonds, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Gatherings included the Premier Napa Valley dinner featuring micro-lot wines from Hyde, Crocker & Starr, and Spoto Family Wines, among others. The Icons of Napa Valley dinner featured a meal prepared by Chef David Breeden (formerly of The French Laundry) paired with wines from Far Niente, Shafer, and Schramsberg. An Argentine Asado BBQ dinner featured single-site wines from Viader, Clif Family Winery, and Annulus Cellars paired with authentic Argentinian dishes. Saturday events, hosted by RIEDEL USA, included wine exploration seminars, such as comparisons of mountain versus valley floor Cabernets with wines from Tom Eddy, Schweiger Vineyards, and Chappellet.
The weekend highlight was the gala, attended by more than 500, and directed by Fabio Trabocchi, Michelin-Starred Chef and Restaurateur of Washington DC’s Fiola and Boca Raton’s Fiolina Ristorante. An auction, hosted by international auctioneer Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, raised more than $700,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of both Palm Beach County and Napa Valley, and included lots such as a Parisian Relais & Chateaux stay; a luxury tour of Napa for six, a visit to the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island for the exclusive Concours d’Elegance, and a seven night ocean adventure aboard Explora Journeys.
“The Artisans of Wine & Food Gala was a great event, well-organized and appealing to a broad spectrum of wine and food enthusiasts,” said Raj Patel, proprietor of Patel Napa Valley, maker of premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. “I am confident they will build on this success in the years to come to help raise funds for the local community. We will definitely return next year to The Boca Raton. It’s such a beautiful resort.”
The Boca Raton is an adventure in and of itself. Originally opened in 1926 as The Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn, the resort provides year-round escape with five different hotel concepts of varying ambiance and personality including Cloister,Yacht Club, Tower, Bungalows, and the newly renovated and vibrant Beach Club. Resort amenities include a private beach, the Forbes Five-Star Spa Palmera, an 18-hole golf course, a full-service marina, Racquet Club with 14 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts, retail shops, seven swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness clubs and wellness collaborations, and 15 different dining venues.
“Pulling off an event of this scale, which featured the largest-ever collection of vintners outside of Napa Valley, would not have been possible without the expertise and passion of our talented team, said Daniel Hostettler, President and CEO of The Boca Raton. “We are deeply grateful to Napa Valley Vintners for collaborating to bring it all to life, along with the vintners, chefs, and sponsors—especially title sponsor Capital One. Our goal was not just to transport a beloved piece of Napa Valley to the East Coast. The event also succeeded in spotlighting the exceptional food and wine culture at The Boca Raton and in our community. This new annual tradition will serve to strengthen our commitment to culinary excellence for years to come.”
“The Boca Raton Resort was a perfect setting for the three-day wine and food spectacular,” said Antinori Napa Valley Ambassador Glenn Salva who co-hosted the Bella Notte Friday night dinner at the resort’s beautiful Principessa Ristorante where Chef Carbone created an Italian feast complemented by the fine wines from multi-generational, family-owned wineries with a connection to Italy. “I am already looking forward to next year’s Artisan Wine and Food.”
“The Napa Valley Vintners were proud to have partnered with The Boca Raton to make the first Artisans of Wine and Food a great success,” added Stacey Dolan Capitani, Vice President of Marketing for Napa Valley Vintners. “The event was actually inspired by Napa Valley. Mr. Hostettler is the former General Manager of Meadowood Napa Valley and played a key role in Auction Napa Valley two decades ago. He understands the magic that can happen when you have world-class wines and top chefs together in an iconic setting. And the big winner of the weekend is the youth of Palm Beach and Napa Valley with proceeds being divided between our two communities.”
Mark your calendars for January 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2026 when Artisans of Wine & Food returns to The Boca Raton for its second year.
Photos courtesy of The Boca Raton