The auction hammer is ready to go down on a remarkable collection — it offers you a once in a lifetime opportunity to sample the fine wines collected by legendary football manager Alex Ferguson.

During 26 years at Manchester United, Ferguson raised a glass to many memorable wins and toasted countless vintage performances.

Auction house Christie’s is selling off part of Ferguson’s private collection valued at a mouth-watering $5 million, with bidding set to open on nearly 500 lots — roughly 5,000 bottles — across three auctions running between May 24 and June 23 in London and Hong Kong as well as online.

“My interest in wine began during a scouting trip in France and, over time, my enjoyment of discovery and collecting grew,” Ferguson, who retired in May 2013 after guiding United to 13 English Premier League titles and two European Cups, said in a statement.

“The importance of collecting wine was that it served as a distraction and gave me a balance in my life that helped me in dealing with the intensity and demands required of me as the manager of Manchester United.

“In retirement, I now have the time to visit the places and people that will feed my passion, so I felt it made sense to release a large number of the wines I had collected over the years. I hope many will enjoy exploring my collection.”