Michelin ranks wine estates

Michelin ranks restaurants around the world - and charges regions handsomely for the privilege. 

It has also started rating hotels - posing questions about the qualifications and the experience of its un-named judges. 

And now the Michelin guides are going further into the rankings business with the launch of Michel Grape, a "new distinction spotlighting wine estates and producers across different regions of the world".

Michelin says: With this new distinction, we provide wine lovers with a trusted benchmark."

The ratings system, launched in Burgundy before rolling out worldwide, covers three classifications.

Three Michelin grapes will be awarded to exceptional producers. Whatever the vintage, wine lovers can turn to the estate’s creations with complete confidence.

Two Michelin grapes will signify excellent producers who stand out as exceptional within their peer group and region for both quality and consistency.

One Michelin grapes will recognise very good producers who craft wines of character and style, especially in the best vintages.

There were no real surprises when the top names were revealed.

Those earning Three Michelin Grapes were Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Domaine d’Auvenay, Cécile Tremblay, Dugat-Py, Roumier, Coche-Dury, Jean-Marc & Thomas Bouley and Hubert Lamy.

TV personality Preston to return to the hills

Television star and food personality Matt Preston will return to the Adelaide Hills Wine Region as official ambassador for the 2026 Winter Reds after making his debut last year.

Preston will be joined at select food events by chef, TV personality, and friend Warren Mendes for what is billed as "an unforgettable weekend of food, wine, and camaraderie".

The annual red wine festival is held in the Adelaide Hills annually in late July. It is in its 16th year and will run from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26.

“Winter Reds is one of the best food and wine events in the country," Preston enthused.

"I had so much fun at Winter Reds last year -fantastic wines, brilliant people, and that unmistakable Hills charm - that I wanted to come back. I can’t wait to eat, drink, and celebrate everything that makes the Adelaide Hills region so special.”

Preston's Winter Reds weekend will kick off at Vinteloper on the Friday night. Guests will experience benchmark Adelaide Hill reds wines, food bites, and the vibe of an intimate house-gathering against the backdrop of a brisk winter night. This limited-ticket event will see guests mingle with him and Adelaide Hills producers.

On the Sunday the headline event will be an exclusive Winter Reds long lunch named Preston’s Plates at Golding Wines. Over 150 guests will enjoy the day.

Adelaide Hills Wine Region president Alex Trescowthick said Winter Reds has become a cornerstone event that continues to champion the strength and diversity of the region’s red wines which go well beyond pinot nNoir, for which it is best known.

"Winter Reds is a much-loved annual celebration of Adelaide Hills’ red wines and the vibrant community behind them," he says.

"Cool-climate pinot noir is still the hero, but there’s also shiraz, gamay, nebbiolo, and more. We invite wine lovers to experience our exceptional cool climate wines and the Hills region at its most atmospheric – when we embrace the chilly weather that signifies our cool climate with warm jackets and cosy open fires.”

Across the weekend, 34 cellar doors will deliver a mix of over 40 events.

See https://www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/winter-reds

Image: Matt Preston, Eat Media

Explore the best drops from the Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges in Victoria is one of Australia's most exciting wine regions with a number of innovative producers.

It is also the home of the Budburst Wine Festival.

The Macedon Ranges will come alive for Budburst - an annual celebration of cool-climate wine and connection.

Over the weekend of November 15-16, 20 winemakers across 15+ venues will open their doors for tastings, food, music, and storytelling. It’s a chance to explore hidden gems and iconic producers.

Participating wineries include Attwoods Wines, Cleveland Estate, Cold Acre, Double Oaks Estate, Granite Hills, Hanging Rock Winery, Hesket Estate, Hunter-Gatherer Winery, Kyneton Ridge, Lane’s End, Lord Malmsbury Vineyard, Lyons Will Estate (top image), Metcalfe Valley, Midhill Vineyard, Mount Monument Winery, Mount Towrong, North Wines, Paramoor, Parkside Winery and Farm, Passing Clouds, Red Poppy Estate, and Wilimee.

Tickets are available now at Budburst.com