The Michelin Grappe will spotlight wine estates across different regions of the world
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For 126 years now, since the Michelin stars were introduced, the French company has recognised excellence in gastronomy. Last year, the company added Michelin Keys, a way to award hotels and the hospitality industry. Now they foray into the world of wines with The Michelin Grappe, a new distinction. The Grappe will spotlight wine estates across different regions of the world, assess them based on five universal criteria, and award them one, two or three grapes.
The inspectors for the guide are a group of dedicated wine inspectors, and professionals employed by the Michelin Group. All team members have been selected not only based on their qualifications, but also on their ability to assess a vineyard with rigor and integrity. The 2026 MICHELIN Grapes project will start with two regions, Burgundy and the region around Bordeaux, which they describe as being among the most emblematic in the world-wide wine-producing landscape.
The wine estates will be assessed based five universal criteria, and awarded one, two or three grapes
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
The criteria on which the The Michelin Grappe will be awarded
The wine estates will be graded on five criteria that access the overall quality of the wines as well as the brand.
1. The quality of agronomy: This assessment will check for qualities such as vitality of the soil, the balance of the vine stocks and the care provided for the vines.
2. Technical mastery: This evaluation will focuses on the technical skills in the wine-making process. The Michelin inspectors will look for precise and rigorous processes producing wines which reflect the terroir and the vine types.
3. Identity: This category will highlight winemakers who craft wines that express the personality, the sense of place, and the culture behind them.
4.Balance: The guide will assess the harmony between acidity, tannins, oak, alcohol, and sweetness of the wines.
5.Consistency: Wines will be evaluated across multiple vintages to ensure unwavering consistency in quality.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director for the Michelin Guide says, “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.”
Published – December 15, 2025 05:50 pm IST