Concha y Toro chairman wishes Sir Alex Ferguson well for his retirement

Wine lover Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes charge of his team for the 1,500th and final time this weekend and has been wished well for his retirement by the chairman of Concha y Toro.

Ferguson has been a important part of the strategic alliance that exists between Manchester United and Viña Concha y Toro. He was present at the sponsorship launch event and has taken part in many Casillero del Diablo tastings around the world.

Alfonso Larraín, chairman of Concha y Toro said: “We celebrate that Sir Alex will continue with Manchester United in an ambassadorial role. I am looking forward to continuing to work together, promoting our brand and spreading the Wine Legend of Casillero del Diablo globally.

“To Sir Alex I send my best wishes for his success as this new era begins for him.”

In the past Ferguson has said that he has developed a passion for fine Bordeaux and Burgundy wine, and these are his favourite styles of wine.

He also told Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The rest of the world also has some fabulous wines, in Australia [Shiraz Penfolds Grange], Chile [Concha Y Toro, Don Melchor], Argentina [Malbec], Napa Valley [Screaming Eagle].”

When the partnership between Manchester United and Concha y Toro was announced, Ferguson said: “Like United, it’s a company with a lot of history that, while never afraid to change, has always kept hold of its roots.

“This is a partnership that unites the two great passions in Latin America: football and wine. I’m looking forward to it.”

Now that he is retiring Ferguson is also reported to be interested in buying a vineyard in France, with a possible £2m investment this summer.