It’s now official, with confirmation coming directly from France: the Michelin Guide is opening a new chapter in its history by entering the world of wine. After guiding enthusiasts for over a century toward the finest dining tables and, more recently, the most elegant hotels, the iconic gastronomic reference introduces a new feature destined to become a benchmark for the industry: Michelin Grapes. Following the Stars for restaurants and the Keys for hotels, this new distinction has a clear goal: to reward excellence in winemaking and offer wine lovers a new rating system to navigate the vast sea of options. Starting in 2026, the first selections will focus on two regions that symbolize French wine tradition: Burgundy and Bordeaux, chosen for their history, diversity, and cultural richness.
Michelin Grapes: Evaluation Criteria for an Award Celebrating the Talent Behind the Bottle
Michelin Grapes goes beyond judging wine in the glass—it tells the story of the work, passion, and expertise of those who produce it.
The evaluation is based on five universal criteria: agronomic quality, technical mastery, identity, balance, and consistency over time. This rigorous approach ensures independent and transparent selections, entrusted to inspectors who are experts in the field: former sommeliers, specialized critics, and production professionals.
The recognition system is simple and intuitive: one Grape for highly competent producers, two Grapes for those who stand out for quality and consistency, and three Grapes for absolute excellence—those deserving the highest trust from enthusiasts, regardless of the vintage.
Alongside these categories, the Guide will also feature a list of wineries selected for their reliability and growth potential.
Why This Innovation Will Make a Difference — and Where It Will Land in Italy
With Michelin Grapes, wine officially enters the universe of experiences curated by the French brand, alongside the iconic Stars and the recently introduced Keys for hospitality. It’s a natural step for a Guide that has always celebrated gastronomic culture in all its forms—and that today, more than ever, acknowledges the central role of wine in the art of fine living.
The debut in 2026 in Burgundy and Bordeaux is no coincidence: two regions that embody the quintessence of French savoir-faire. Bordeaux, with its historic vineyards and international reputation, and Burgundy, with its human-scale estates and traditions passed down through generations, represent the ideal starting point for a project that aims to go global. Rumors are already circulating about Michelin Grapes arriving in Italy, where they would coexist with those of the Bibenda Guide by the Italian Sommelier Foundation: as reported by Alessandra Dal Monte of Cook on Corriere della Sera online, “Italy is expected to follow with Chianti and Langhe, but details remain scarce.”
A New Benchmark for Enthusiasts and Professionals
For wine lovers, Michelin Grapes promises to be a reliable compass, guiding choices with the same authority that has always distinguished the Guide. For producers, it’s a recognition that rewards not only quality but also the ability to innovate and preserve the identity of the territory.
The countdown has begun: 2026 will mark the start of a new era for the Michelin Guide and the wine world—a venture that promises to rewrite the rules of wine evaluation with the same passion and rigor that have made the brand a global icon in the gastronomic landscape.
