It is too bad that winemakers in North America rarely get to work in the vineyards too. I believe that it would vastly improve the quality of wines here in British Columbia and much of the New World. Unfortunately, this trend of separating the role of viticulturalist and winemaker is beginning to show up in Europe as well. Learning to farm and make wine is no longer passed from generation to generation- it is a process where if you are interested you head off to school for a proper piece of paper instead of learning at your grandfather's knee. You don't need a connection to the land, just a willingness to pay service to the idea of terroir. 

I know there are exceptions out there and would love to learn more about farming in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and all of North America. If you have a favorite North American vinaroon, please tell me about him or her!