For 125 years, The MICHELIN Guide has recognized people and places that exemplify excellence in gastronomy and hospitality, from the introduction of MICHELIN Stars in 1926 to MICHELIN Keys for hotels in 2024. This legacy of identifying the very best now extends to the world of wine, an integral part of the gastronomic experience.
The Guide has long highlighted exceptional wine lists and sommeliers, notably with the creation of the ‘wine’ pictogram in 2004 to recognize outstanding wine offerings. In 2019, the MICHELIN sommelier sward was introduced to honor professionals whose expertise elevates the guest experience through exemplary wine selection, pairings, and service.
Now, with the MICHELIN Grape, The MICHELIN Guide introduces a distinction dedicated to wine estates and producers worldwide, assessing their overall excellence based on five universal criteria.
The MICHELIN Grapes: A new way to celebrate winemaking talent
The MICHELIN Guide’s new distinction rewards not only the vineyards but, above all, the people behind them. The initiative highlights knowledge passed down through generations alongside innovative techniques and contemporary practices, applying a strict and independent methodology.
Wine lovers will have a trusted benchmark with One, Two, or Three Grapes, complemented by a curated selection of recommended producers.
Three Grapes - Exceptional producers. Wine lovers can trust their wines regardless of vintage.
Two Grapes - Excellent producers who stand out among peers and in their region for quality and consistency.
One Grape - Very good producers whose wines express character and style, especially in remarkable vintages.
Selected - Reliable producers, regularly reviewed, crafting consistently high-quality wines.
The five criteria behind the MICHELIN Grapes
- Quality of agronomy - Inspectors evaluate soil vitality, vine balance, and vineyard management, essential factors that directly influence wine quality.
- Technical mastery - Wines are assessed for precise execution of the winemaking process, reflecting the terroir and grape variety without flaws.
- Identity - Winemakers are recognized for crafting wines that convey a sense of place, the winemaker’s personality, and the culture behind them.
- Balance - Evaluation of harmony between acidity, tannins, oak, alcohol, and sweetness.
- Consistency - Vineyards are assessed across multiple vintages to ensure unwavering quality, even in challenging years.
Expertise at the Core
Selections will be guided by dedicated wine Inspectors, professionals employed by the Michelin Group. The team brings together former sommeliers, specialized critics, and ex-winemakers with in-depth knowledge of the wine world. Recommendations are made collectively and independently, following a rigorous panel review methodology.
Launching in Burgundy and Bordeaux, 2026
The first MICHELIN Grapes awards will debut in two of the world’s most iconic wine regions: Burgundy and Bordeaux, celebrating the diversity, historical significance, and cultural richness of French wine.
Bordeaux is renowned for its prestigious vineyards, blending tradition and innovation, with a global reputation built over centuries.
Burgundy is distinguished by family-owned vineyards, meticulous care at each stage of production, and generational knowledge that has shaped the region’s worldwide identity.
Through MICHELIN Grapes, the Guide celebrates both heritage and contemporary excellence, offering wine lovers a trusted reference for discovering the world’s most remarkable vineyards.
27/12/2025
Alina Iancu
