"Anietta" wrote in message
Hi
I'm new to fruit gardening and also to the forum. I live in West
Sussex UK
about quarter of a mile from the sea on the South Coast.

I would like to grow a grape vine outside. My garden is south facting
and the vine can either be placed south west facing, south east facing
or south facing. Which would be the best orientation for it and is
there any particular variety anyone can recommend which doesn't mind
salt from the sea. Also do the roots from a grape vine go down deep
i.e. is it best planted well away from our house.

Hello, I live on the North Yorkshire coast, about 1 mile from the sea, and I
have three vines trained up against a white painted South facing garage
wall. They seem to thrive.

Vines do indeed send down very long roots and do best on well-drained
stony/marly soil. I don't think they are prone to damage foundations as they
want to go straight down, but it would be best to check with a nurseryman.

As you live in an area with quite a few commercial vineyards it could be a
good idea to go and visit a few to see what they do, especially if you are
intending to establish a small plot with vines trained in rows on wires.
There is no doubt that some hybrid varieties to better in England for
reliable ripening, and the rootstock can be a very tough hardy clone.
FWIW I have 'Phoenix' and 'Regent' and a French Chardonnay (which seems
quite happy) but where you are Seyval and Madeleine Angevin (both white) may
be the most widely-grown commercial varieties.
BTW I've been writing about wine varieties! If you want just eaters consult
a good specialist vine nursery.
HTH
mutley