Wine Auction

May 11 - 13, 2023

Upcoming Dates

May 11 - 13, 2023

Wine Auction

Wine Auction returns to Lyric on Saturday, May 13, 2023! Since its inception in 1988, Wine Auction has raised over $11 million in support of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Traditionally held every three years by the Women’s Board, Wine Auction 2018 netted a record-breaking $2.2 million and was named a “Top Charity Wine Auction” by Wine Spectator.

Under the leadership of the Women’s Board, Wine Auction 2023 will make a profound impact on Lyric’s ability to present grand opera of the highest quality to audiences in Chicago and beyond. This formal affair draws 400 guests from around the country and features a reception, elegant dinner, and live auction. A dazzling array of curated wines, unique dining experiences, and exquisite travel packages will be available for bidding.

Explore sponsorship opportunities 

Wine Auction events

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Featured Vintner Dinners

Featured Vintner Dinners

For sponsors only
Begin your journey into the Wine Auction with a spectacular exclusive dinner held in some of the most fabulous private homes in the Chicago area. Together with one or two of our Featured Vintners, the host and chef will curate the perfect menu to complement your incredible wine selection for the evening.

Friday, May 12, 2023

Featured Vintner Tasting Reception

Featured Vintner Tasting Reception

During this energetic evening held in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer of the Lyric Opera House, Featured Vintners will generously pour tastes of their incredible selections of wines. Open to all, this evening will feature spectacular wines, delicious hors d’oeuvres and beautiful performances. Individual tickets are not yet on sale, but please RSVP to save your seat.

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Live Auction

Live Auction

Grab your paddles for the most exciting night in Chicago. Begin the evening with a reception where you can enjoy wines, spirits, and delicious treats before the live auction festivities. The Ardis Krainik Theatre doors will open and invite you onto the Ken Pigott Stage for a showcase full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive wines and collections, and evenings you will never forget. All funds raised support the Lyric Opera of Chicago. 

Chairs

Co-Chairs
Nancy S. Searle and
Erica L. Sandner

Ms. Searle has served on the Lyric Women’s Board since 1989 and also serves on Lyric’s Board of Directors. Most recently, she served as Women’s Board President from 2017 to 2020 and the Nominating Chair from 2020 to 2022. She also served as co-chair of Wine Auction 2018. Ms. Sandner has served on the Lyric Women’s Board since 2010 and as co-chair of the 2015 Lyric Wine Auction, and of the 2018 Opening Night Opera Ball.

Vice Chairs
Suzanne W. Mulshine and Eileen Austin Murphy

Mrs. Mulshine has served on the Lyric Women’s Board since 2018. Mrs. Murphy has served on the Lyric Women’s Board since 2009.

Reservations

$100,000 CÔTE DE BEAUNE SPONSOR
  • One of six exclusive naming opportunities.
  • Two (2) tables (10 seats each) for Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Verbal acknowledgment by the auctioneer and Women’s Board President during the
  • live auction (capacity 550).
  • Twenty (20) seats to intimate Featured Vintner and Celebrated Chef Dinners on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
  • Twenty (20) tickets to the Featured Vintner Tasting Reception on Friday, May 12, 2023 to honor Featured Vintners and special Wine Auction 2023 guests.
  • Ten (10) premium valet parking passes for Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Logo or name recognition in the Wine Auction 2023 Catalogue, invitation, printed materials, and website.
$60,000 CÔTE DE NUITS SPONSOR
  • One (1) table (10 seats) for Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Verbal acknowledgment by the auctioneer and Women’s Board President during the live auction (capacity 550).
  • Ten (10) seats to intimate Featured Vintner and Celebrated Chef Dinners on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
  • Twenty (20) tickets to the Featured Vintner Tasting Reception on Friday, May 12, 2023 to honor Featured Vintners and special Wine Auction 2023 guests.
  • Five (5) premium valet parking passes for Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Name recognition in the Wine Auction 2023 Catalogue, invitation, printed materials, and website.
$30,000 CÔTE DE CHALONNAIS SPONSOR
  • One (1) table (10 seats) for Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Six (6) seats to an intimate Featured Vintner and Celebrated Chef Dinner on
  • Thursday, May 11, 2023.
  • Ten (10) tickets to the Featured Vintner Tasting Reception on Friday, May 12, 2023 to honor Featured Vintners and special Wine Auction 2023 guests.
  • Five (5) premium valet parking passes for Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Name recognition in the Wine Auction 2023 Catalogue, invitation, printed materials, and website.
$10,000 MÂCONNAIS SPONSOR
  • Two (2) seats for Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Two (2) seats to an intimate Featured Vintner and Celebrated Chef Dinner on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
  • Eight (8) tickets to the Featured Vintner Tasting Reception on Friday, May 12, 2023 to honor Featured Vintners and special Wine Auction 2023 guests.
  • Name recognition in the Wine Auction 2023 Catalogue, printed materials, and website.
$2,500 CHABLIS - WINE AUCTION ONLY
  • One (1) ticket for the Wine Auction 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
  • Two (2) tickets to the Featured Vintner Tasting Reception on Friday, May 12, 2023 to honor Featured Vintners and special Wine Auction 2023 guests.

RSVP

Sponsors

Lyric Opera of Chicago is grateful for the generous support of Wine Auction 2023.

Presenting Sponsor

Catalogue Sponsor

Liz Stiffel

Live Auction and Dinner Sponsor

Dinner Wine Sponsor

Anonymous

Reception Sponsor

CÔTE DE BEAUNE SPONSORS

Anonymous

Patrick G. and Shirley Welsh Ryan 

CÔTE DE NUITS SPONSORS

Cathy & Bill Osborn 

 

Scott & Nancy Santi

CÔTE DE CHALONNAIS SPONSORS

Baker Tilly US LLP

Mrs. James N. Bay

Amy & Paul Carbone

John Holmes & Jenni Sorensen and Kenneth Porrello & Sherry McFall

Caroline & Charlie Huebner

John Holmes & Jenni Sorenson and Kenneth Porrello & Sherry McFall

Annie & Greg Jones

Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel & John H. Krehbiel, Jr.

Brendan & Suzanne Mulshine

Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel

Susan & Nick Noyes and Make It Better Media Group

Erica L. Sandner

Sipi Metals Corp.

Mark Tatro & Margarita Chavez-Tatro and Hubert L. Allen & Hau Chyi

MÂCONNAIS SPONSORS

Andy & Debi Butler

Marie Campbell

Mr. and Mrs. Julian W. Harvey

Stephen A. Kaplan

Mayer Brown LLP

Blythe Jaski McGarvie

Susan & Robert Morrison

Chris & Eileen Murphy

Sharon & Lee Oberlander

Bonnie Pritchard

Robert & Penelope Steiner Family Foundation