LYRIC WINE AUCTION

The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s celebrated Wine Auction made a dazzling return this spring, reaffirming its place as one of the city’s most anticipated social and philanthropic events. Hosted at Lyric’s iconic opera house, the triennial gathering welcomed Chicago’s cultural and civic leaders, collectors, and philanthropists for a weekend of extraordinary vintages, elegant dining, and spirited generosity. Presented by the Women’s Board of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the 2026 auction—aptly themed A Divine Duet—celebrated the storied wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy for the first time. Led by Women’s Board President Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel alongside co-chairs Jenni Sorenson and John Holmes, the event honored two celebrated figures in the world of winemaking: Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem and Erwan Faiveley of Domaine Faiveley and Williams Selyem. The spectacular weekend raised $2.8 million in support of Lyric’s productions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives across Chicago. lyricopera.org/wineauction