posted 1 month ago
Grapes are very deep-rooted, and hold their own quite well with a shallow-rooted groundcover beneath them, even one that forms a mat, like mint. Dutch Clover, or, as someone suggested, daylilies. Generally speaking, root competittion, and competition for space are not the big considerations for grapes that they would be for less vigorous crops.
HOWEVER, everyone has their vulnerability. With grapes, it is the specter of virus infection from sucking insects like aphids and leafhoppers. This is a serious problem, even leading to the abandonment of vineyards in affected areas. So resistance to aphids and leafhoppers, as well as other sap-sucking pest, is the prime qualification for a grape understory plant.
So for example, phacelia--which is a stellar cover crop and pollinator plant--would be off the table because it attracts sap-sucking lygus bugs. Make use of the county ag department or cooperative extension service to find out what is common in your area. You don't need to follow their suggestions about pest control, just find out what pests are around and causing problems.
I have seen research that the essential oils and terpenes in Chamomile repel aphids. That might be a start. Many herbs and perennials seem to be untroubled by pests. They might be good choices.