May 22, 2026
Glamour, generosity, and glorious wines
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s celebrated Wine Auction made a dazzling return May 8–9, 2026, reaffirming its place as one of the city’s most anticipated social and philanthropic events. The triennial gathering brought together Chicago’s cultural and civic leaders, opera lovers, wine collectors, and philanthropists for a weekend of extraordinary wine, elegant dining, and spirited generosity.
Presented by Lyric's Women’s Board, the 2026 auction — aptly themed "A Divine Duet" — celebrated the legendary wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, raising $2.8 million in support of Lyric’s grandscale productions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives across Chicago.
The event was led by Women’s Board President Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel, alongside co-chairs Jenni Sorenson and John Holmes, whose leadership brought a distinctive energy and vision to this year’s auction. Together, they introduced several firsts — including serving as the first married couple to co-chair the event and welcoming two honored guests instead of one.
"This event is such a special tradition for Lyric and for Chicago," said Gray-Krehbiel. "It’s a celebration of friendships, shared passions, and the joy of coming together for a meaningful cause. This year’s ‘Divine Duet’ made it all the more memorable."
Women’s Board President Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel (left), alongside co-chairs Jenni Sorenson and John Holmes.
The weekend honored two towering figures in winemaking: Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem (left), and Erwan Faiveley of Domaine Faiveley and Williams Selyem (right). Their participation marked the first time the auction has featured honorees from both Bordeaux and Burgundy — an unprecedented pairing that elevated the event’s international stature.
Festivities began Friday evening with the Featured Vintner Tasting in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer, featuring an exceptional array of wines from premier vintners, followed by an intimate Honored Guest Dinner honoring Lurton and Faiveley at the Casino Club.
Our 2026 Featured Vintners represented many of the top wine-producing regions of the world. All the way from Bordeaux, we welcomed Saint-Émilion’s Château Angelus, Canon la Gaffelière, Château Franc Mayne, and La Mondotte, along with Saint-Julien’s Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. From Piedmont, Italy, guests were treated to pours from GAJA, Michele Chiarlo, and Ultima Pietra. Portugal’s Douro Valley/Porto region was represented by Taylor Fladgate, and bringing the bubbles from Champagne was the one and only Champagne Taittinger. Closer to home, Oregon’s Willamette Valley was represented by Adelsheim, Domaine Drouhin, Nicolas-Jay, Résonance Wines, and Rose and Arrow Estate. From California, we tasted vintages from Napa Valley’s Colgin Cellars and Staglin Family Vineyard, plus Sonoma Coast’s Flowers Vineyards and Winery.
Upon entering the Lyric Opera House on Saturday evening, guests were transported to a Parisian cabaret as red fabric and sultry jazz floated through the Rice Grand Foyer. For the first time at Wine Auction, a 'balloon pop' was stationed in the center of the room. Ryan Opera Center Ensemble member Benjamin R. Sokol was on hand as the master of ceremonies, tasked with reading each lucky winner's prize aloud as two mischievious mimes popped the confetti-filled balloons.
As the reception — sponsored by Champagne Taittinger and J&L Catering — came to a close, three trumpet fanfares alerted guests that the auction was about to begin. Written specially for the event by David Gauger, they perfectly set the mood for soprano Sondra Radvanovsky to welcome everyone to Wine Auction 2026 and call guests to dinner with an appropriately operatic "hojotoho!"
As guests walked toward the stage, they were greeted by performers on swings. People stopped to ooh and ahh as they waved hello the crowds.
Later in the evening, as dinner came to a close and the auctioneers from Hart Davis Hart were preparing to take the stage, dancers amped up the crowd with a scintillating performance of "Lady Marmalade" from Moulin Rouge, choreographed by Xenia Mansour Muñiz.
With its signature blend of glamour, generosity, and international prestige, the 2026 Wine Auction once again demonstrated the extraordinary strength of Chicago’s philanthropic and cultural community — raising critical support for Lyric Opera of Chicago productions, education initiatives, and community engagement programs, ensuring the company’s work continues to inspire audiences across the city and beyond.
