Michelin Grapes: The Revolutionary Classification of Wineries and Wines by the Michelin Guide
From the famous Stars for restaurants to the Keys for hotels, the world's most influential guide fully enters the vineyards with "Michelin Grapes".
For almost a century, **Michelin Stars** have been the gold standard of global haute cuisine. In 2024, the organization expanded its horizons by awarding luxury hotels with the *Michelin Keys*. Today, we witness a historic milestone for global oenology: the official arrival of **Michelin Grapes**.
This new mark of distinction aims to recognize the best wineries, winemakers, and producers on the planet, applying the same methodological rigor and independence that made the "Red Guide" famous.
How does the Michelin Grapes scale work?
Like the gastronomic stars, wineries will be classified into three main hierarchical levels, in addition to a special distinction for recommended producers:
🍇🍇🍇 Three Michelin Grapes: Exceptional Producers
Distinguishes the absolute elite of global oenology. Wineries that any wine enthusiast can trust implicitly, regardless of the challenges of the vintage. Their labels represent maximum excellence.
🍇🍇 Two Michelin Grapes: Excellent and Sustained Quality
Recognizes outstanding producers within their wine region. They stand out among their peers for both their qualitative level and the remarkable consistency of their wines year after year.
🍇 One Michelin Grape: Character and Style
Awarded to outstanding producers who craft wines with unique personality and a well-defined stylistic stamp, reaching brilliant moments in the best vintages.
🍷 Selected / Recommended Wineries
Reliable producers who offer well-crafted wines capable of delivering a great value and consistent quality experience.
The 5 Evaluation Criteria to Earn a Michelin Grape
Michelin's team of specialized inspectors will evaluate wineries without favoritism, applying five universal pillars:
- Agronomic Quality: Vine care, soil health and vitality, as well as the balance of the agricultural ecosystem.
- Technical Mastery: Impeccable execution in winemaking processes, ensuring pure and flawless wines.
- Identity and Terroir: The wine's ability to faithfully reflect its place of origin, the grape, and the winemaker's vision.
- Balance and Harmony: Perfect synchronicity between acidity, tannin structure, wood usage, alcohol, and fruit.
- Consistency and History: The producer's ability to maintain high qualitative levels across different vintages and difficult years.
"Excellence is not defined solely by the prestige of a name, but by the purity, identity, and consistency expressed in each bottle."
Where did the first selection of Michelin Grapes begin?
The first official selections are concentrated in the legendary French regions of **Burgundy** and **Bordeaux**, awarding the highest Three Grape honor to historic wineries such as *Domaine de la Romanée-Conti*, *Domaine Leroy*, and *Domaine Coche-Dury*. However, the guide's objective is to progressively expand its evaluations to the most prominent wine regions of the New and Old World.
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