Domaine Laroche presented the Grand Prix category in the International Final

Both the human dimension and taking care of the land has for long been a major focus for Domaine Laroche. When Star Wine List of the Year International Final was celebrated in Stockholm, Sweden, on 19 June, Domaine Laroche presented the prestigious Grand Prix category, recognizing the best wine list with more than 600 listings.

The history of Laroche is closely intertwined with Chablis. The estate possesses 90 hectares of vineyards located among the most exquisite crus. Deep roots are also reflected in its architectural heritage — the Obédiencerie de Chablis, a former monastery renowned for its wine since the Middle Ages by virtue of the canons of Saint-Martin de Tours.


The relics of Saint Martin were also kept there for a decade. This exceptional heritage is alive and well today: Domaine Laroche still vinifies and ages its Premiers Crus and Grands Crus in its historic cellars. Its wines are a tribute to over a thousand years of history.

Laroche also produces Chardonnay wines in the South of France that are its glowing signature around the world. The winery has established partnerships with producers in cooler-climate areas such as the Orb Valley, Limoux and Cévennes. Key to the wine’s success is the performance of the site’s cellar techniques (cutting-edge gravity-fed transfer and refrigeration systems), energy management (the site became a zero-energy operation in 2019 in the summer months) and natural resource management, including lower water consumption. 

Laroche’s site in that area is becoming a pioneer in innovative research and development projects.

The environment, a long-lived commitment

Totally aware of the importance of the ecosystem in the production chain of high-quality wines, the Laroche technical team has been for a very long time carefully taking care of the land. This implies a constant research and application of a policy well aware of the vineyard balance in its surroundings.

The respect of the soil is a major issue and therefore we only replant after a three-year rest of the ground or by sowing winter cereals to keep a green cover and of course, no chemical at all.

The human dimension is in the heart of our philosophy. Following this principle, at Domaine Laroche, each team member is in charge and nurses its own plot throughout the year: one man, one plot.

The HVE certification, an asset and a strong recognition.

This struggle for biodiversity goes beyond the vine activity as Laroche has undertaken a huge program of replanting hedges in its vineyard as well as setting up beehives. In the same spirit, a contract has been signed in 2016 with LPO (the French league for birds’ preservation) in order to place in the vineyard birdhouses specially dedicated to a small owl called Chevêche d’Athéna which likes this type of environment.

In the South of France, in collaboration with the Biodiversity Department of the Hérault region, Laroche has installed bat boxes on its vineyard. The vineyard, by its natural environment and its rich biodiversity is an ideal place for their food. Nocturnal birds and insectivores, can eat 1/3 of their weight per night!

Upon these elements, the AFNOR (certification organization) has awarded Domaine Laroche in Chablis end of 2016 and Laroche in the South of France end of 2017 the HVE certification (High environmental value).

After checking the biodiversity within the vineyard, the organic fertilizing process (by natural rotting and assimilation), the management of phytosanitary products (insects, spiders, fungus, etc.), this certification assesses the overall impact of the vineyard activity within the Domaine. The HVE certification is a strong recognition of the efforts in terms of environmental preservation and sustainable positive practices.