Why the MICHELIN Guide Is Turning Its Attention to the World’s Best Wine Estates

For wine lovers, few names carry the weight of trust and authority quite like The MICHELIN Guide. For decades, its quiet rigor has shaped global standards of excellence, first at the table and later across the broader hospitality landscape. Now, that same discipline and discernment are being applied to wine, recognizing it not as an accompaniment but as a defining expression of culture, place, and craft.

Wine has long occupied a meaningful place within the Guide’s universe. Exceptional wine programs and gifted sommeliers have been acknowledged for years, reflecting the belief that a great bottle can transform a meal into a memory. The introduction of the MICHELIN Grape marks a decisive step forward, shifting the focus from the glass back to its origins. Vineyards, cellars, and the individuals who guide them now take center stage.

At its core, the MICHELIN Grape is a celebration of people. It honors those who tend vines with patience and intention, who translate land and climate into liquid form, and who balance heritage with thoughtful innovation. Each estate is evaluated through an independent and exacting process, resulting in a clear hierarchy that serves as a trusted compass for collectors and curious drinkers alike.

Producers may be awarded One, Two, or Three Grapes, alongside a selection of recommended estates. These distinctions are designed to guide exploration with confidence.

Three Grapes are reserved for truly exceptional producers whose wines inspire unwavering trust regardless of vintage.

Two Grapes recognize estates that stand out within their region for both excellence and reliability, earning admiration year after year.

One Grape highlights very good producers whose wines show personality, precision, and particular brilliance in the strongest vintages.

Selected estates are dependable names that consistently deliver well crafted wines and merit continued attention.

Behind each distinction lies a shared set of principles. Vineyard practices are scrutinized for their impact on fruit quality and long term vitality. Winemaking is assessed for technical precision and respect for terroir. Identity matters deeply, with preference given to wines that speak clearly of place and of the hand that shaped them. Balance is essential, ensuring that structure, texture, and flavor exist in harmony. Above all, consistency across vintages is paramount, with special consideration given to estates that maintain quality even in challenging years.

These evaluations are conducted by a dedicated team of wine Inspectors, all professionals employed by the Michelin Group. Drawn from backgrounds that include sommellerie, winemaking, and wine criticism, they bring deep practical knowledge and independence to the process. Tastings and assessments are carried out collectively, following a rigorous methodology designed to ensure fairness, depth, and credibility.

The first chapter of the MICHELIN Grape will unfold in 2026, beginning with Burgundy and Bordeaux. These two regions stand as pillars of the wine world, each embodying a distinct philosophy of greatness.

Bordeaux represents scale, history, and influence. Its estates have shaped global perceptions of fine wine for centuries, combining tradition with a steady capacity for evolution.

Burgundy offers a more intimate expression of excellence. Its vineyards are defined by lineage, precision, and an almost spiritual commitment to place. Generations of growers have refined a singular voice that continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

With the launch of the MICHELIN Grape, wine lovers gain more than a new accolade. They gain a lens through which to understand excellence in the vineyard and the cellar, guided by the same quiet authority that has long defined the world’s most respected guide.