The Michelin Grappes are the newest award from the Michelin Guide, given to “wine estates” instead of restaurants. Ranked from 1 to 3 Grappes (grape clusters), similar to the Michelin star system, they debuted on July 7, 2026 in Dijon, France, with 94 Burgundy estates selected — and only 9 receiving the top 3-Grappe distinction.
Thai people know the “Michelin stars” well from Bangkok restaurants. But did you know Michelin has now fully entered the world of wine? This article introduces the new award in simple terms, with a perspective on what it means for wine lovers in Thailand
For decades, the Michelin Guide set the global standard with “stars” for restaurants, and more recently added “Keys” (Clefs) for hotels. Now, in 2026, Michelin opens a new chapter with the Grappes — an award dedicated to wine estates and producers.
What makes the Michelin Grappes different from typical wine scores (like the 100-point scale) is that Michelin does not rate a single bottle. It evaluates “the entire estate” — from vineyard work and winemaking in the cellar to the producer’s vision and consistency — using 5 criteria applied identically worldwide.
The highest award, given to estates you can trust in every vintage. Whatever the year, you can choose their wines with full confidence. In the inaugural announcement, only 9 estates received this honor.
Given to producers with remarkable quality and consistency within their terroir. 20 estates received it in the first round.
Given to producers with distinct character and a clear style, particularly outstanding in good vintages. 33 estates received it.
Another 32 estates entered the guide without a Grappe — still a genuine mark of quality, similar to Michelin Selected restaurants in Bangkok.
The first announcement was held grandly at the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (Palais des Ducs) in Dijon, covering 3 legendary wine districts: Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise.
Burgundy is where the concept of terroir (the land, climate and human craft that shape a wine’s taste) was refined to its purest form, and it’s the birthplace of two iconic grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Most estates are small, family-run operations passed down through generations — which matches the Grappes philosophy of celebrating “the winemaker’s craft and vision” over label prestige.
This list barely needs explaining — Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) produces the most expensive wines in the world, while Leroy and Coche-Dury are names collectors chase worldwide. Michelin placing these estates at the top level officially confirms their “legend” status.
Notably, legendary estates like Armand Rousseau, Comte Georges de Vogüé and Méo-Camuzet received only 1 Grappe — showing how strict Michelin’s criteria are, and that the rating isn’t based on reputation or wine prices alone.
Michelin has announced that the next region to be evaluated is Bordeaux, with plans to expand to other wine regions worldwide in the coming years. Who knows — one day an Asian wine estate might earn its Grappes.
For beginners, Burgundy is famously “hard to read” — village names, plot names, Grand Cru / Premier Cru levels. The Grappe system works like Michelin stars for restaurants: a “shortcut of trust.” See a Grappe-awarded estate, and you can choose with confidence.
Just as starred restaurants become harder to book, wines from 3-Grappe estates will likely see rising global demand — including in Thailand. If you already own bottles from these estates, consider yourself sharp-eyed.
A Grappe could become a new reason to plan a France trip — instead of just Paris, why not visit a Grappe-level estate in Burgundy too?
This news confirms that Burgundy and French wine are the heart of the wine world — and the good news is you don’t have to fly to Dijon to start learning.
At Wine & Spirit Academy Bangkok, founded by a French sommelier, we offer:
Michelin stars go to restaurants; Grappes go to wine estates/producers. Grappes evaluate the whole estate’s work, not a single bottle. Both use a 1–3 level system.
First announced on July 7, 2026 in Dijon, Burgundy, France, with 94 wine estates selected in total.
In the first announcement, only 9 estates received the top 3-Grappe distinction out of 94 selected in Burgundy.
Burgundy wines from many leading producers are available through Thai wine importers, but quantities are often limited and prices may rise with post-award demand. Consult an expert before investing.
Start with a French wine course or a guided wine tasting class, such as the French Premium Class at WSA Bangkok, taught by professional sommeliers. Contact 099-016-8838.
The Michelin Grappes aren’t just a new award — they’re a new “common language” that will help people worldwide, including Thais, access the world of wine more easily, just as Michelin stars once changed how we choose restaurants.
And if you want to be among the first in Thailand to truly understand Burgundy wine — the first door is open at Wine & Spirit Academy Bangkok.
See all French wine classes: Wine Classes page | French Wine Tours: Wine Tours page | Call 099-016-8838
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