Alex Ferguson will sell part of his wine collection worth an estimated £3 million ($5 million). The collection of around 5,000 bottles goes under the hammer during three auctions: Hong Kong on May 24, London on June 5 and an online sale running from June 9 to 23. Many fine and rare wines including Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Burgundies and Finest First Growth Bordeaux ranging from the 1986 to 2011 vintages will be sold according to Christie’s.
“It’s the wine of the moment in terms of demand,” said David Elswood. “So hopefully that’s going to draw the attention of not just Alex Ferguson fans but wine fans too.” Alongside the wine, Christie’s will also be offering pieces of signed footballing memorabilia.
Legendary former Manchester United manager took up the hobby as a distraction from the pressures of his job, becoming a collector following a visit to France in 1991.
“Taking an interest in wine allowed me to have an interest outside the game,” he explained. “You have to have outside interests to distract you from the intensity and the pressure you come under as a football manager. “And all of a sudden, two or three years ago, when I’m going through the portfolio, we realise this has got to be an amazing amount of wine. I retired last year, and I thought this was a good time to sell it.”
