[Jim the builder]

I am hoping to grow grapes on my allotment  however I am unsure what type of soil they prefer. My soil is about average, not to heavy not to light with a slight acidity to it. I intend growing the grapes in a seperate bed so i can adjust the soil to what ever suits them best. I also intend growing clematis with the vines and would appreciate peoples views and any ideas on which clematis would be best suited for the job. Thanks.

[Amilo]

I don't think there is a "correct" soil for grapes but I can report that on my heavy clay I have a vine that is doing very well, also I see vineyards in Spain and Portugal that have section under water in the winter months but in the summer they produce as much fruit as the vines higher up the hill.

[Alastair-I]

How are you planning on growing the vines and the Clematis together?  I'd suggest that they are kept away from each other and not allowed to intertwine, you don't want the Clematis shading the vines or their fruit.

Soil-wise I'm going with what I've got with my vines, raising the bed and using the drier end of the plot to make sure that they're free-draining.  If you're growing for wine, then poor soil and restricted growth seems to be the way to go.  Certainly not much in the way of feeding.  My first row of three plants went a few weeks ago, they've had a comfrey mulch last week but I don't plan on feeding them much (or at all) once established.

[Trillium]

Grapes definitely are not particular on soil. I planted a number in my horrid clay quarry and I did water them now and then in their first year to ensure they survived. 3 years later their roots have finally hit something they like in a nice depth and they are jungle creatures that I'm constantly hacking down to keep under control 

Sweet grapes don't care for feed, they prefer to work hard sourcing nutrients out of the soil depths, same with moisture. Just water them a bit the first year then leave them alone.