The third Orlando Magic-sponsored Orlando Wine Festival & Auction took place March 24 -26 with 420 attendees participating in wine dinners, tastings, and an auction, culminating with the Magic game Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.
The event raised over $1 million for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, according to Trish Wingerson, director of public relations for the Magic. Some of the monies came from the sale of packages – the minimum was $2500 for two people to attend the Saturday afternoon tasting and the dinner and auction, all at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. Those who shelled out $6500 per couple got tickets to the game (and saw the Magic win) as well as an invitation to one of six private dinners cooked by top local chefs in unique settings.
But more money was raised at the live auction. Top sellers included a Bordeaux Rhone visit and a bottle of PC4, Pape Clément that went for $33,000; a six-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Club in Aspen and dinner there with Magic CEO Alex Martins for $32,000; a trip to New York for Fashion Week and a backstage tour with Pamella Roland, $28,000. There apparently weren’t any airline contributors because none of those trips included airfare.

But there was a trip that included a flight. It was to Los Angeles to watch the Magic play the Lakers, and transportation will be aboard the team plane. That went for $22,000 and it was sold twice. The Fashion Week package also went to two lucky bidders.
Prior to the auction and dinner, which included entertainment by a popular band, guests roamed the Da Vinci Lawn and sampled wines and food served by some of the participating chefs. Here are some of the sights:
Master sommellier George Miliotes was on hand to answer wine questions.
Magic CEO Alex Martins and Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer.