Michelin Guide to Award Vineyards With Up to Three Grape Clusters in New Global Wine Ranking

The Michelin Guide announced on Tuesday the creation of a new classification system dedicated to the world of wine. The French guide, known for its restaurant stars and hotel keys, will now introduce “grape clusters” as a way to recognize vineyards. Gwendal Poullennec, director of the Michelin Guide, presented the new initiative to the press, describing it as a new chapter for the guide and an opportunity to celebrate viticultural talent.

The new distinction will have three levels. Vineyards of “great quality” will receive one cluster, those considered of “excellence” will receive two, and houses deemed “exceptional” will be awarded three clusters. There will also be a “recommended” mention for vineyards that do not reach the first level. The evaluation process will consider five criteria: the quality of agronomy, which reflects work in the vineyard; technical mastery in the winery; the identity of the wine; its balance; and consistency across several vintages.

A team of experts from the Michelin Guide will conduct visits and evaluations at the vineyards. Poullennec emphasized that this process is designed to ensure independence in their assessments. The first evaluations will focus on Bordeaux and Burgundy, two of France’s most renowned wine regions. Results are expected to be announced in 2026 at two separate events, with dates yet to be confirmed.

In future years, Michelin plans to expand this selection to other wine regions in France and internationally. This move comes one year after Michelin introduced its first distinctions for hotels, continuing a trend of diversification for the famous red guide.

Poullennec noted that this step into wine is not entirely new for Michelin. Since its founding in 1900, the guide has included recommendations based on wine quality served at establishments. In 2004, a pictogram was added to highlight restaurants with outstanding wine lists, and in 2019, a sommelier award was created.

Michelin’s expertise in wine criticism was further strengthened in 2016 when it acquired the Parker Guide, a global reference for wine reviews. Poullennec said this acquisition brought complementary skills to Michelin’s team. Despite this integration, Florent Menegaux, CEO of Michelin Group, confirmed in October that the Parker Guide will continue to operate under its own brand.

The introduction of grape clusters marks another significant development for Michelin as it broadens its influence beyond restaurants and hotels into the world of wine production and appreciation. The guide’s leadership says it aims to provide consumers with a trusted reference point as they explore vineyards and wines around the world.