Michelin Guide launches wine estate equivalent of a Michelin star

The Michelin Guide has launched the Michelin Grapes, a new distinction for spotlighting exceptional wine estates from across the world.

The first Michelin Grapes will be bestowed in 2026 to two of France’s most notable wine regions: Burgundy and Bordeaux.

The launch of the new rating comes roughly two years after the Michelin Guide introduced the Michelin Keys, which is a hotel equivalent to Michelin stars for restaurants.

In 2019, the Michelin Sommelier Award was introduced to honour professionals with an expertise in wine selection and service.

The Michelin Grapes will be awarded to wine estates that meet five universal criteria: the quality of agronomy, technical mastery in the wine-making process, and the identity, balance and consistency of the wine.

Producers with three grapes are deemed “exceptional” whatever the vintage, while those with two grapes are “excellent” and “exceptional within their peer group”.

Producers awarded one grape are “very good” at crafting wines of character and style, while those who are ’selected’ are listed for being “dependable”.

The Michelin Guide revealed that future selections will rely on the expertise of dedicated wine inspectors, all of whom will be employed by the Michelin Group.

These individuals are expected to be wine specialists, former sommeliers, critics, and production experts.

Their assessments will follow what the Guide described as a “rigorous methodology”, including a panel review process and editorial supervision.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director for the Michelin Guide, said: “After having oriented wine-lovers towards the finest tables in more than 70 destinations and to the world’s most elegant hotels, the Michelin Guide is delighted to open a new chapter by with the world of wine.

“This new reference is designed for both the curious amateur and the most ardent expert - it rewards the men and women who are building the most demanding vineyards around the world.”