July 31, 2025 (Chicago, IL) — Lyric Opera of Chicago is thrilled to announce the return of Chicago’s main signature wine occasion, Lyric Wine Public sale 2026, on Might 8 and 9, 2026. Named a High Charity Wine Public sale by Wine Spectator journal, this beloved triennial celebration was created by the Girls’s Board of Lyric in 1988, and the Board has been the driving drive main the occasion within the years since. The public sale commonly attracts wine fanatics from throughout the nation for a weekend of world-class vintages, effective eating, and philanthropy — all in assist of the Girls’s Board’s mission to assist Lyric in bringing the magic of grand opera and transformative training and neighborhood engagement packages to audiences all through Chicago and past.
In a historic first, Lyric Wine Public sale 2026 will characteristic two legendary winemakers from France — representing each Bordeaux and Burgundy — as honored visitors. Pierre Lurton, Supervisor of Château Cheval Blanc, and Erwan Faiveley, Managing Director of Domaine Joseph Faiveley, can be current at a preview occasion on Might 8 and on the formal dinner and public sale on Might 9, the place their wines can be served. This particular pairing marks the primary time each storied areas can be represented on the similar Lyric public sale.
Including to this spirit of twin excellence, Lyric Wine Public sale 2026 can be co-chaired by Jenni Sorenson and John Holmes, a dynamic married couple and passionate wine collectors whose love for each music and wine is matched solely by their deep dedication to Chicago’s cultural panorama. Since 2021, Sorenson has served on the Lyric Girls’s Board, which is led by President Karen Z. Grey-Krehbiel, a member since 2008, who additionally serves on the Lyric Board of Administrators.
“That is such an thrilling second for Lyric,” says Sorenson. “Lyric Wine Public sale 2026 is a chance to unite the vibrancy of Chicago’s arts neighborhood with the unbelievable craftsmanship of winemakers we admire. We’re honored to assist elevate very important assist for an establishment that brings a lot magnificence into folks’s lives.”
“It’s uncommon to convey collectively such international excellence in each wine and music,” provides Holmes. “We’re proud to assist Lyric and its mission, and we sit up for an unforgettable weekend of generosity, artistry, and distinctive wine.”
Grey-Krehbiel remarks, “The whole Lyric household is extremely grateful to Jenni and John for agreeing to co-chair this spectacular and historic Lyric occasion. We all know that their experience, management, and savoir faire will make the occasion unforgettable.”
Friday, Might 8 will characteristic a grand tasting expertise on web site on the Lyric Opera Home, adopted by an intimate dinner celebrating the Honored Company. The principle stay public sale occasion on Saturday, Might 9 will characteristic stellar numerous uncommon and collectible wines alongside unique experiences curated for each wine and music aficionados. An public sale catalogue can be accessible in spring 2026.
In regards to the Honored Company
Pierre Lurton, Director of Château Cheval Blanc since 1991 and CEO of Château d’Yquem since 1999, leads groups devoted to excellence. Beneath his path, the storied property of Château Cheval Blanc has change into a benchmark of Bordeaux sophistication, seamlessly mixing custom and innovation crafting highly effective and stylish wines from a unprecedented 42-hectare mosaic of Saint-Émilion terroirs.
Erwan Faiveley represents the seventh technology of a historic Burgundian wine household. Since taking the helm of Domaine Faiveley in his mid-20s, he has led the 120-hectare property with a visionary dedication to sustainability, scientific innovation, and authenticity — making his wines a pure expression of the area’s terroir and a daring step into the long run.
In regards to the Girls’s Board of Lyric
The Girls’s Board was based in 1955 with the aim of supporting Lyric Opera of Chicago as a cultural and academic establishment in live performance with the Board of Administrators and different teams inside the group. The 61 members are amongst Chicago’s most energetic and philanthropic girls. They share a ardour for the grand artwork of opera and play a necessary position supporting Lyric. The Girls’s Board raises greater than $3 million yearly via occasions such because the Season Opening Gala and the triennial Wine Public sale.
Wine Public sale has raised greater than $13 million in assist of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Held each three years, proceeds from Wine Public sale make a profound contribution to Lyric’s means to current the enjoyment of stay efficiency via the surprise of grand opera. Honored Company from current Wine Auctions embody Maison Joseph Drouhin (2023) and Château Margaux (2018).
Extra details about the featured vintners, public sale tons, and particular experiences can be introduced quickly.
To study extra about Wine Public sale 2026, go to lyricopera.org/wineauction.
For donation or sponsorship info, please contact the Boards Workplace at 312-827-5676 or electronic mail [email protected].
