Photos: Lyric Opera of Chicago's Wine Auction 2026
The weekend raised $2.8 million in support of Lyric’s productions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives across Chicago.
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s celebrated Wine Auction made a return May 8–9, 2026. Hosted at Lyric’s iconic opera house, the triennial gathering brought together Chicago’s cultural and civic leaders, collectors, and philanthropists for a weekend of extraordinary wine, elegant dining, and generosity.
Presented by the Women’s Board of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the 2026 auction — aptly themed A Divine Duet — celebrated the legendary wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy in a historic first for the event.
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.
The weekend honored two towering figures in winemaking: Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, and Erwan Faiveley of Domaine Faiveley and Williams Selyem. 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 a 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 VIP dinner honoring Lurton and Faiveley. On Saturday, guests gathered for an elegant dinner on the Lyric stage, where a live auction featuring rare vintages and exclusive global experiences unfolded in a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
Notable attendees included internationally acclaimed soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, who also serves as Artistic Advisor at Lyric, and her partner Dr. Ricardo Senno; Sylvia Neil, chairman of the board at Lyric, and Daniel Fischel; Craig Martin, chair-elect of the board at Lyric; Karen Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr.; Amy and Paul Carbone; Jenni Sorenson and John Holmes; Pat and Shirley Ryan; Miles White and Laura Jonas; J. Christopher and Anne Reyes; Scott and Nancy Santi; Ambassador Ronald J. Gidwitz and Christina Kemper Gidwitz; and Chloe Mendel Corgan.
Photo credit: Robert Kusel, Jaclyn Simpson, Amy Aiello
2026 Wine Auction
2026 Wine Auction
2026 Wine Auction
John Holmes and Jenni Sorensen
Sylvia Neil and Karen Gray-Krehbiel
Johnson, Gray-Krehbiel, Mangum
John Mangum, Brett Hart
Mangum, Radvanovsky, Tatro
Karen Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr.
Margarita Chavez Tatro and Mark Tatro
Performers at 2026 Lyric Wine Auction
Sylvia Neil, chairman of the board at Lyric, and Daniel Fischel
Wine Auction Chairs Karen, Jenni, John
Wine Auction Chairs
Brett Hart
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan
Wine Auction Auctioneer
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