Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 9 - Madama Butterfly

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 10 part of Bordeaux for centuries and today also owns the legendary Chateau d’Yquem, producer of perhaps the world’s finest sweet wines. Erwan Faiveley’s ancestors created the family winery in 1825 and today the house produces wines from the most exclusive areas of Burgundy. With his sister, Eve — they represent the 7th generation of ownership — Erwan and his team are known for hand-picking plot by plot, sorting the grapes as they come in from the vineyards, and precise monitoring of each barrel. They have continued their old-school approach in the NewWorld, as proprietors of California’s Williams Selyem, a Russian River Valley operation also known for its exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. “The significance of this event is evidenced by the honorees we’ve had over the years — it’s truly just a who’s-who from the wider wine world. And this is really a banner year, “ says Holmes. “Jenni and I have known Pierre Lurton for at least 15 years, and he’s about as significant as you get, running two iconic chateau. We’ve become friends with Erwan more recently, though we’ve known the wines for a long time. It probably goes without saying that both these houses make extraordinary wines.” An assortment of both will be served to attendees at both nights of the weekend — first during a walk- around tasting event Friday evening in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer, sponsored by Taittinger champagne and featuring wines from a stellar list of featured vintners. That’s to be followed by a smaller VIP dinner to toast the honored guests. The next evening, a fully formal affair with dinner on the Lyric stage, will feature special bottles from Cheval Blanc and Faiveley and, of course, the auction itself, to be called by Ben Ferdinand and Dale Salentiny of the Hart Davis Hart wine company. Highlights in the auction include exceptionally generous donations from the major wine regions of the world — a tour and tasting at Napa legend Quintessa; a visit to Piedmont titan Gaja; extravagant tours and tastings at some of the leading wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, to give just a taste. From the honorees themselves come a number of one-of-a-kind lots — a visit for eight at Cheval Blanc (and, for good measure, another at Chateau d’Yquem); and a mixed case of 2020 Grand Cru bottles from Faiveley (or perhaps you’ll be interested in an Imperial [eight standard bottles] of their 2005 Clos Vougeot?). Krehbiel, who began her term as president in 2024, is quick to note the efforts of her co-chairs as well as fellow Women’s Board members. “To be able to share the incredible wines that Jenni and John have secured for us is truly a pleasure,” she says. “And this Women’s Board is really a wonderful combination of talents — businesswomen, creatives, philanthropists, all of them with a wide range of interests throughout our community. It’s going to be an exceptional weekend.” Auctioneer Ben Ferdinand,who will return this year,and Shirley W.Ryan,at the 2023 auction. Diane M.Smutny Diane M.Smutny