For more than a century, the MICHELIN Guide has influenced how travellers discover the world’s finest restaurants. Today, it is extending that influence into an entirely new arena – wine, and in doing so, it may reshape how wine regions are evaluated, experienced, and promoted.
The launch of the inaugural 2026 MICHELIN Grape Selection is not simply another awards program. It represents a strategic evolution in how excellence is recognized across the global wine industry.
By selecting 94 outstanding wine estates in Burgundy, Michelin has introduced an independent framework that moves beyond traditional wine scores and producer reputation. Instead, the new classification recognizes estates that consistently demonstrate excellence through terroir, craftsmanship, vineyard stewardship, authenticity, and long-term quality.
This matters because wine tourism is changing.
Today’s travellers are no longer satisfied with simply tasting great wines. They are seeking destinations that tell compelling stories, preserve their cultural heritage, and create authentic experiences that connect visitors with the people and places behind every bottle.
The MICHELIN Grape Selection acknowledges this evolution.
Rather than celebrating individual wines alone, Michelin is recognizing the wineries themselves—their philosophy, consistency, and commitment to excellence. This reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations, where visitors increasingly value authenticity, sustainability, and a genuine sense of place alongside exceptional wine quality.
For Burgundy, the impact is significant.
Already regarded as one of the world’s most iconic wine regions, Burgundy has once again demonstrated why it remains a global leader. The new MICHELIN recognition reinforces its reputation while providing travellers with a trusted reference for discovering some of the region’s most exceptional estates.
However, the broader implications extend well beyond France.
Just as MICHELIN Stars transformed culinary tourism and MICHELIN Keys elevated luxury hospitality, the Grape Selection has the potential to become one of the most influential reference points in global wine tourism. It offers destinations another internationally recognized benchmark capable of influencing travel decisions, strengthening destination brands, and encouraging wineries to continually raise standards.
For wine regions around the world, the message is clear.
Leadership in wine tourism is no longer measured solely by exceptional wines. It is demonstrated through authenticity, visitor experience, sustainability, heritage preservation, and the ability to create meaningful connections between people and place.
The regions that embrace these principles will be best positioned to lead the next generation of wine tourism.
The inaugural MICHELIN Grape Selection is therefore more than a celebration of Burgundy’s finest producers. It is an indication of where the global wine industry is heading—and a reminder that excellence is increasingly defined by the complete visitor experience, not simply what is poured into the glass.
Key Highlights
- 94 Burgundy wine estates recognized
- 9 estates awarded Three MICHELIN Grapes
- 20 estates awarded Two MICHELIN Grapes
- 33 estates awarded One MICHELIN Grape
- 32 additional estates included as Selected
The official list of the inaugural MICHELIN Grape Selection winners can be viewed on the MICHELIN Guide website:
Official Winners: The MICHELIN Guide – First Grape Selection in Burgundy