Root distribution of four Vitis cultivars at one location in Texas was asessed using trench profile and soil core sampling methods. Greater differences were obtained among cultivars utilizing the latter method when comparing root dry weights. Surface area of roots extracted from soil samples was estimated using a calcium nitrate slurry dip. This technique was found to be unreliable. Vitis champini cv. Dogridge maintained the greatest above-ground canopy and the most extensive root system. In measuring root numbers and dry weight, V. rotundifolia cv. Noble ranked at or near the bottom with V. vinifera cv. Barbera and V. labruscana cv. Concord being intermediate. Overall schematic root system patterns for each cultivar indicate that Noble is shallow rooted, having more than 35% of the total roots in the 0–15 cm depth. In contrast, ten percent of the total Dogridge roots were found at the 90–105 cm depth.