CHICAGO (7/31/2025) — Lyric Opera of Chicago is thrilled to announce the return of Chicago’s leading signature wine event,
Lyric Wine Auction 2026, on May 8 and 9, 2026. Named a Top Charity Wine Auction by Wine Spectator magazine, this beloved triennial celebration was created by the
Women’s Board of Lyric in 1988, and the Board has been the driving force leading the event in the years since. The auction regularly draws wine enthusiasts from across the country for a weekend of world-class vintages, fine dining, and philanthropy — all in support of the Women’s Board's mission to support Lyric in bringing the magic of grand opera and transformative education and community engagement programs to audiences throughout Chicago and beyond.
In a historic first, Lyric
Wine Auction 2026 will feature two legendary winemakers from France — representing both Bordeaux and Burgundy — as honored guests.
Pierre Lurton, Manager of
Château Cheval Blanc, and
Erwan Faiveley, Managing Director of
Domaine Joseph Faiveley, will be present at a preview event on May 8 and at the formal dinner and auction on May 9, where their wines will be served. This special pairing marks the first time both storied regions will be represented at the same Lyric auction.
Adding to this spirit of dual excellence, Lyric Wine Auction 2026 will be co-chaired by
Jenni Sorenson and
John Holmes, a dynamic married couple and passionate wine collectors whose love for both music and wine is matched only by their deep commitment to Chicago’s cultural landscape. Since 2021, Sorenson has served on the Lyric Women’s Board, which is led by President
Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel, a member since 2008, who also serves on the Lyric Board of Directors.
“This is such an exciting moment for Lyric,” says Sorenson. “Lyric Wine Auction 2026 is an opportunity to unite the vibrancy of Chicago’s arts community with the incredible craftsmanship of winemakers we admire. We’re honored to help raise vital support for an institution that brings so much beauty into people’s lives.”
“It’s rare to bring together such global excellence in both wine and music,” adds Holmes. “We are proud to support Lyric and its mission, and we look forward to an unforgettable weekend of generosity, artistry, and exceptional wine.”
Gray-Krehbiel remarks, “The entire Lyric family is incredibly grateful to Jenni and John for agreeing to co-chair this spectacular and historic Lyric event. We know that their expertise, leadership, and savoir faire will make the event unforgettable.”
Friday, May 8 will feature a grand tasting experience on site at the Lyric Opera House, followed by an intimate dinner celebrating the Honored Guests. The main live auction event on
Saturday, May 9 will feature stellar lots of rare and collectible wines alongside exclusive experiences curated for both wine and music aficionados. An auction catalogue will be available in spring 2026.
About the Honored Guests
Pierre Lurton, Director of Château Cheval Blanc since 1991 and CEO of Château d’Yquem since 1999, leads teams dedicated to excellence. Under his direction, the storied estate of Château Cheval Blanc has become a benchmark of Bordeaux sophistication, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation crafting powerful and elegant wines from an extraordinary 42-hectare mosaic of Saint-Émilion terroirs.
Erwan Faiveley represents the seventh generation of a historic Burgundian wine family. Since taking the helm of Domaine Faiveley in his mid-20s, he has led the 120-hectare estate with a visionary commitment to sustainability, scientific innovation, and authenticity — making his wines a pure expression of the region’s terroir and a bold step into the future.
About the Women’s Board of LyricThe Women’s Board was founded in 1955 with the purpose of supporting Lyric Opera of Chicago as a cultural and educational institution in concert with the Board of Directors and other groups within the organization. The 61 members are among Chicago’s most active and philanthropic women. They share a passion for the grand art of opera and play an essential role supporting Lyric. The Women’s Board raises more than $3 million annually through events such as the Season Opening Gala and the triennial Wine Auction.
Wine Auction has raised more than $13 million in support of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Held every three years, proceeds from Wine Auction make a profound contribution to Lyric’s ability to present the joy of live performance through the wonder of grand opera. Honored Guests from recent Wine Auctions include Maison Joseph Drouhin (2023) and Château Margaux (2018).
More information about the featured vintners, auction lots, and special experiences will be announced soon.To learn more about Wine Auction 2026, visit
lyricopera.org/wineauction.
For donation or sponsorship information, please contact the Boards Office at 312-827-5676 or email
lyricwineauction@lyricopera.org.
For media inquiries or image requests, please contact:
Alana Guggenheim at
[email protected].
