What is the best soil for growing wine grapes?

Soil Structure

• Grape roots grow best in deep soil with loose texture. Avoid compacted soils or heavy clay. The top 24 to 40 inches of topsoil should be easy to dig, not hard and compacted. Ideal grape-growing soil is sandy or gravelly loam.

Drainage

• Poorly drained soils can be oxygen-deficient, so choose sites with well-drained soil. Constantly wet soils restrict root growth and shorten the life of the vines. Improved drainage is one of the reasons grapes are often planted on hillsides.

Acidity

• Soil pH affects the vines' ability to extract nutrients from the ground, so proper pH is vital. Check often and follow your local extension service's advice on adjusting the pH, if necessary. Ideal pH for wine grapes is acidic at 6.0 to 6.5.

Organic Matter

• Grapes grow best in soil with moderate amounts of organic material. This is easily adjusted by the gardener, as organic material can be added to lean soils.