Michelin Guide Unveils Exciting New Wine Rating System

Michelin, widely recognized for its tire manufacturing, has entered the wine sector with a new rating system called the Michelin Grape. Announced on December 5, 2025, this initiative marks a significant expansion for the Michelin Guide, which has historically focused on restaurants and hotels.

The Michelin Guide started in 1900 when brothers Édouard and André Michelin published a guide for French motorists that included maps, restaurants, and service stations. The popularity of the restaurant section led to the introduction of the Michelin Star in 1926, a hallmark of culinary excellence based on quality ingredients, cooking techniques, and the chef’s style.

Now, the Michelin Grape aims to establish a similar standard for wineries through a three-Grape rating system. This new rating will assess wine producers based on five criteria:

1. Quality of Agronomy: Evaluates the soil health, vine care, and overall factors impacting wine quality.
2. Technical Mastery: Focuses on winemaking techniques, aiming for precision and the ability to reflect terroir without flaws.
3. Identity: Highlights wines that embody the winemaker’s personality and the region’s culture.
4. Balance: Assesses the harmony of wine elements like acidity, tannins, and sweetness.
5. Consistency: Evaluates multiple vintages to ensure reliable quality through different harvests.

The Grape ratings will identify exceptional wines, with three Grapes indicating excellence, two Grapes for high quality, and one Grape for good quality wines. There will also be a "Selected" category for dependable producers.

The inaugural regions for the Grape ratings will be France’s Burgundy and Bordeaux, with the first ratings to be disclosed in 2026. While the possibility of evaluating California wines remains uncertain, it stirs curiosity within the wine community, especially given Michelin’s ownership of the Wine Advocate, known for Robert Parker’s 100-point wine rating system.

Questions linger regarding whether the two rating systems will coexist and if wineries will pay to be assessed—a common practice for Michelin’s reviews in restaurants and hotels. However, Michelin insists that revenue from such assessments does not sway their ratings.

The Michelin Grape presents a promising new avenue for wine enthusiasts, ensuring that the wines they choose are evaluated through a trusted lens, akin to the esteemed standards set by Michelin for dining experiences.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!