"Diversifying away from the sacred cow of Pinot Noir, these small-batch operations are bringing wine making back to the city, as is European tradition. (And yes, they buy their fruit. Most winemakers, even out in the Valley, are not vintners, apparently, and that whole "wine tasting in the country" thing is an American invention, anyhow.) "

These statements are are highly debatable.

"and that whole "wine tasting in the country" thing is an American invention, anyhow."

Seriously? Guess it's safe to say you've never been toured the wineries in Italy and France, especially the Bordeaux and Burgundy regions.

the last one of these i did i puked all over the bus. some old lady sitting across from me got up and tried to hand me some towels but she slipped when the driver hit the brakes. her ass landed right in the puke in the aisle. cabernet sauvignon, vienna sauges, and curded cheese all over her white dress. some people on board laughed, others looked at me with scorn like it was my fault i was drunk and car sick. i just asked to get off and ran away.

Why do you insist on equating wine with yuppies? It's annoying and such a tired stereotype. Put it to bed.