James Halliday auctioning wines as he moves on

Mr Halliday will no longer be presiding over wine lover's guide the Halliday Wine Companion, handing over to fellow wine notable Tyson Steltzer. Nine online auctions are being held with about 5000 bottles of wine being sold off - this include 79 Tasmanian wines.

"I have been collecting and consuming wine for more than 60 years, and after having recently turned 82, I recognise I won't be able to enjoy most of the wines in my cellar," Mr Halliday said.

"I have decided to sell the majority of my collection, so other wine enthusiasts can appreciate them."

In other news:

Mr Halliday's cellar included some of Tasmania's most popular wines, such as a DOMAINE A RDP 2000 Pinot Noir valued between $135 and $165 as well as an Arras EJ Carr Late Digorged Methode Traditionalle Tasmania 1999 bottle valued more than $100.

A South Australian 1965 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon up for auction has a starting bid of more than $5000.

While a Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, 1966 has bids at more than $2500.

Some have bids of well over $1000 including a 1948 Chateau Lafite-Rotshschild 1er cru classe, Pauillac and a Chateau Palmer 3me cru classe, Margaux 1966.

The oldest Tasmanian wine for auction is a Heemskerk Cabernet Sauvignon from 1980.

"Tasmania is the coldest wine region in Australia, and makes world-class cool climate wines including sparkling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay," Mr Halliday said.

"I've been a support of Tasmania's crisp, elegant wines for decades, and I think Tasmanian sparkling wines compete very convincingly with the Champagne's of France."

Halliday's wines are being auctioned via langtons.com.au, and sales for a number of his collections close September 24.