The MICHELIN Guide Opens a New Chapter in Wine: Grapes Arrives in 2026
Source: Michelin Guide
As we enter 2026, one of the most influential arbiters of global gastronomy is broadening its reach beyond the realms of restaurants and hotels into the world of wine. The MICHELIN Guide, known for its star system that has defined culinary excellence for nearly 100 years and its Keys for luxury hotels, is now launching an entirely new distinction dedicated to wine producers and vineyards. This bold expansion reflects how wine has become an indispensable part of the global dining experience, and a passion in its own right for travellers and connoisseurs alike.
Source: Michelin Guide
From Stars and Keys to Grapes
Since its inception in 1900, the MICHELIN Guide has shaped how the world discovers and celebrates outstanding culinary talent. The familiar Michelin Stars have long been synonymous with exceptional food, while the more recent MICHELIN Keys recognise hotels with extraordinary design, personality and service. Now, the Guide’s expertise stretches into viticulture with the introduction of The MICHELIN Grapes, a new and distinct benchmark that will spotlight wine estates and producers worldwide.
Source: Michelin Guide
This initiative marks a significant evolution in how excellence in wine is recognised and communicated. While the Guide has previously highlighted outstanding wine lists and sommeliers, notably through its wine pictogram and Sommelier Award, this new distinction places the focus directly on the people and places behind the bottles.
A Trusted Benchmark for Wine Lovers
The MICHELIN Grapes distinction will provide wine lovers with a trusted, expert-curated framework for exploring the world’s finest wine producers. Producers and estates will be evaluated with the same rigour and independence that has defined the Michelin star system, based on five universal criteria that reflect the essence of what makes a great wine:
Quality of Agronomy – The health of the soil, the balance of the vines and vineyard care.
Technical Mastery – Precision and skill in wine making.
Identity – A distinct expression of place, tradition and personality.
Balance – Harmony of structure, acidity, fruit and complexity.
Consistency – The ability to deliver remarkable quality across vintages.
Estates will be awarded One, Two or Three Grapes, indicating their level of excellence, alongside a category of Selected vineyards recognised for quality and character. This nuanced system mirrors the philosophy behind Michelin’s restaurant distinctions: to celebrate not just the result, but the craft, heritage and vision behind it.
The First Chapters: Burgundy and Bordeaux
In its inaugural year, the MICHELIN Grapes distinction will focus on two of the world’s most iconic wine regions: Burgundy and Bordeaux. Both regions are celebrated for their deep heritage and diversity. Burgundy for its terroir-driven, vineyard-specific expressions and Bordeaux for its historic châteaux and breadth of styles. The first selections are expected to be revealed throughout 2026, setting the stage for an entirely new conversation about wine excellence on a truly global scale.
Why This Matters to Wine and Travel Enthusiasts
For those immersed in gastronomy and travel, including Avesso’s readers, The MICHELIN Grapes opens exciting new horizons. Wine has always been integral to the culinary experience, yet its recognition has often been scattered across lists, critics and festivals. A Michelin distinction for producers brings a cohesive and highly respected standard to wine lovers, offering a curated roadmap through some of the most exceptional vineyards and winemaking traditions in the world.
Source: Michelin Guide
It also mirrors broader shifts in how we think about travel, culture and taste. Today’s travellers seek holistic experiences: the vineyard visit as much as the dinner reservation, the terroir as much as the tasting menu. By creating The MICHELIN Grapes, the Guide acknowledges this evolution, recognising that wine, like food and hospitality, deserves its own spotlight and its own benchmarks for discovery.
Looking Ahead
With the first Grapes selections set to debut in 2026, this new distinction promises to enrich the global wine conversation and inspire exploration beyond familiar territories. Whether you are an experienced collector or an enthusiastic explorer, The MICHELIN Grapes will offer a trusted guide to the people, places and traditions that define exceptional winemaking.
Source: Michelin Guide
For Avesso readers who seek the most compelling narratives in taste and travel, this new chapter is a reminder that the world of wine still holds endless stories waiting to be uncorked. As gastronomy and oenology continue to intertwine, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for wine lovers around the globe.
