The 82-hectare of Gruaud Larose occupies the highest point of elevation on the St. Julien plateau. It is one of the largest vineyards in Bordeaux in one single block, and the vineyard has not changed since it was created in 1781 and classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc. Chateau Gruaud Larose is a gravel terroir with quartz, clay and sand based soils. The vines average 46 years of age, and the vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare. Most of the work in the vineyards are done with organic farming techniques. They use no insecticides, pesticides or herbicides. To produce the wine of Chateau Gruaud Larose, the wine is vinified in a combination of cement tanks and wood vats.

Saint Julien first became famous for its Bordeaux wine back in the 17th century. At that time, St Julien was in the stage of development, to become a major Bordeaux wine producing appellation in the Left Bank when the entire area of the Medoc was discovered and populated by wealthy aristocrats. Coinciding with creating the famous vineyards we know today, the new landowners quickly began erecting massive showpiece chateaux throughout the region. Many of the original Saint Julien estates are still standing today and can be easily noticed while driving down the famous D2 highway.