Michelin Grapes: The Ultimate Guide for Wine Connoisseurs – New Accolade to Recognize Global Vineyards!

Published on December 8, 2025

Wine lovers and avid travellers, brace yourselves! The Michelin Guide has officially introduced a groundbreaking accolade for the world’s finest wine producers: Michelin Grapes. This new distinction, set to launch in 2026, will shine a spotlight on the best wine producers globally, starting with two of the most prestigious wine regions in France: Burgundy and Bordeaux. This exciting development is set to reshape the way wine enthusiasts experience and plan their travel to top wine-producing destinations.

Michelin, renowned for its culinary expertise, has now extended its influence into the wine world. The introduction of the Michelin Grapes accolade aims to elevate wine tourism and offer a reliable guide for wine connoisseurs seeking the best of the best. Whether you are a casual wine drinker or a dedicated sommelier, the Michelin Grapes will provide you with a curated list of the world’s top vineyards, making it easier to discover exceptional wines and their producers.

The Michelin Grapes Accolade: A New Era in Wine Tourism

The Michelin Grapes distinction will assess wine producers on five rigorous criteria, with a team of experts that includes seasoned sommeliers, wine critics, and production specialists. These professionals will evaluate vineyards based on a collective review process, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the accolade. The aim is to identify not only the best wines in terms of taste but also the craftsmanship and commitment of the producers behind them.

Starting with Burgundy and Bordeaux, two regions that have long been associated with wine excellence, the Michelin Grapes accolade will gradually expand to include other notable wine regions around the world. The distinctions are as follows:

• Three Grapes: Awarded to exceptional producers whose wines are consistently outstanding, inspiring total confidence regardless of the vintage.
• Two Grapes: Given to excellent producers recognized for their exceptional quality and consistency within their region.
• One Grape: For very good producers offering wines of character, particularly strong in the best vintages.
• Selected: Recognizes dependable producers who consistently make well-crafted wines and demonstrate quality expression, chosen for regular review.

Burgundy and Bordeaux: The First Regions to Be Honoured

France’s Burgundy and Bordeaux regions have long been hailed as some of the finest wine-producing areas in the world. Burgundy is known for its elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, while Bordeaux is famous for its full-bodied reds, particularly those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These regions, steeped in centuries of tradition, will serve as the launchpad for the Michelin Grapes accolade, giving them the attention they truly deserve on the global stage.

The introduction of the Michelin Grapes accolade to Burgundy and Bordeaux is expected to have a significant impact on wine tourism, bringing even more visitors to these iconic regions. Wine lovers will now have a reliable guide to help them discover the best vineyards, wineries, and wine experiences, making their trips to these areas even more enjoyable and rewarding.

A Global Wine Revolution: What the Michelin Grapes Means for Vineyards

Michelin’s move into the wine world is a natural evolution for the brand, which has been a trusted name in culinary excellence for over a century. The introduction of the Michelin Grapes distinction builds on Michelin’s existing wine-related initiatives, including its wine pictogram guide for food-and-wine pairings since 2004, and the Michelin Sommelier Award, which honours professionals who elevate wine service. With this new accolade, Michelin is solidifying its position as a global leader in recognizing excellence in both food and wine.

For wine producers, the Michelin Grapes accolade represents the ultimate recognition of their craft. Being awarded any of the four distinctions will not only enhance their reputation but also attract more visitors to their vineyards. The accolade will serve as a badge of honour, a symbol of quality that will undoubtedly lead to increased interest from both wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

What This Means for Wine Tourists and Connoisseurs

For wine tourists, the Michelin Grapes guide will be an invaluable tool. Whether you’re planning a wine tour through Burgundy, exploring Bordeaux’s châteaux, or venturing into new wine regions, the Michelin Grapes distinction will help you make informed decisions about where to go and which vineyards to visit. Wine tourism has been growing steadily, with travellers seeking out authentic, memorable experiences. Michelin’s new accolade will provide those experiences in a reliable, trustworthy format, making it easier than ever for connoisseurs to find the best of the best.

For those who are new to wine tourism or simply seeking recommendations for their next wine-related trip, the Michelin Grapes list will provide clear, unbiased insights into the world’s finest producers. The four distinctions offer a clear path to discovering exceptional vineyards, from the Three Grapes winners to the Selected producers, giving wine lovers an array of options to explore.

The Michelin Guide’s Expanding Influence in the Wine World

Since the launch of its culinary guide, Michelin has consistently expanded its scope to recognize excellence across different sectors of hospitality. The Michelin Grapes accolade is the next logical step, marking a significant shift towards honoring the very best wine producers worldwide. Just as Michelin Stars have become a globally recognized symbol of culinary excellence, the Michelin Grapes will undoubtedly become the ultimate benchmark for wineries and vineyards everywhere.

Michelin’s focus on Burgundy and Bordeaux for the inaugural selections is fitting, given these regions’ rich wine-making histories and their critical role in shaping the world’s wine culture. However, the Michelin Grapes accolade will eventually expand to other regions, giving wine lovers and tourists more choices and opportunities to explore vineyards across the globe.