29 June 2026
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Following the introduction of its iconic Stars in 1926 and the Key distinction for hotels in 2024, the MICHELIN grape becomes the latest addition to the Guide’s prestigious honours. This new recognition celebrates exceptional wine estates worldwide, evaluated against five universal and consistently applied criteria. Burgundy’s Côte-d'Or has been chosen as the starting point for this exciting new chapter.
The MICHELIN Guide’s First Wine Selection: Why Burgundy?
Selecting Burgundy as the launchpad for this initiative feels both natural and inevitable. For centuries, Burgundy has been the benchmark for wine-growing regions globally, renowned for its ability to produce refined, elegant wines made from a single grape variety that have a profound connection to a specific terroir.
Burgundy’s intimate understanding of viticulture offers a lens through which other wine regions can be better appreciated and understood. It was here that the modern concept of terroir was born and perfected, evolving from its medieval monastic roots to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The region’s celebrated climats – a mosaic of over 1,247 meticulously defined vineyard plots – are unparalleled. These small parcels, often just a few hectares or less, demonstrate how subtle differences, perhaps in limestone composition and slope gradient, can profoundly influence a wine’s character. Recognised by UNESCO as a cultural landscape of global significance, this intricate patchwork of terroirs remains unmatched.
On these hallowed grounds, two noble grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, serve as transparent conduits, capturing and reflecting the nuances of the terroir. The resulting wines, celebrated for their finesse, aromatic complexity and remarkable ageing potential, continue to set the global standard.
The MICHELIN Grape: Honouring the Artisans of the Vine
With the MICHELIN grape, the Guide aims to celebrate not only the vineyards but also the people who bring them to life in the form of winegrowers and négociants. Through this distinction, the MICHELIN Guide seeks to highlight their unique stories, time-honoured expertise passed down through generations, and innovative, forward-thinking practices.
The MICHELIN Guide now offers wine enthusiasts a trusted reference: the grapes, complemented by a curated selection of recommended wine estates, with each recipient evaluated through a rigorous and independent methodology.
Three grapes
Reserved for exceptional producers whose wines, regardless of vintage, consistently deliver outstanding quality. These estates are a hallmark of excellence.Two grapes
Awarded to producers of remarkable distinction, known for their consistent excellence and ability to showcase the unique qualities of their terroir.One grape
Recognising producers who craft high-quality wines with distinctive character and style, particularly excelling in exceptional vintages.Selected
Highlighting reliable producers selected for their consistency and quality, offering well-crafted wines that promise an enjoyable experience.
A Methodology Rooted in Five Pillars
Guided by its core values of excellence and independence, the MICHELIN Guide applies five universal criteria to its wine evaluations, ensuring consistency across all regions:Quality of Agronomy
The Inspectors assess key factors such as soil health, vine balance and vineyard management, essential factors which directly impact the quality of the wine.Technical Mastery
This evaluation focuses on the technical execution and precision involved in the winemaking process, with the Inspectors looking for disciplined vinification practices that allow the wines to express both their terroir and grape variety, free from notable flaws.Identity
The Guide highlights producers who craft wines with a strong sense of identity, reflecting the essence of their terroir, the winemaker’s personality and the cultural heritage of the region.Balance
The harmony of the key elements – such as acidity, tannins, oak alcohol and residual sugar – are carefully assessed to ensure a well-rounded wine.Consistency
Producers are evaluated across multiple vintages, with recognition given to those who maintain consistently high standards even in the most challenging years. The Guide highlights wines that reveal greater depth and improve in quality over time.Expertise at the Core of the Evaluations
The selection process is entrusted to a dedicated team of wine Inspectors, all salaried professionals employed by the MICHELIN Group. This international team, comprising former sommeliers, wine critics and production experts, bring together a wealth of experience and a shared passion for viticulture.
Chosen for their qualifications and ability to evaluate vineyards worldwide, these Inspectors conduct year-round assessments through on-site visits, regular tastings and close observation of vineyard practices. Their recommendations are collaborative, independent and based on meticulous analysis. The selection is non-exhaustive and will evolve over time, enriched by ongoing discoveries and evaluations.
Check out the full selection here and all of our content and features here.
Hero Image: The entrance gates to the Joseph Drouhin estate. © Serge Chapuis/Joseph Drouhin
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