Editor's Note: This is the first of a two-part series on the unique challenges presented to grapegrowers in the Eastern United States. This first installment discusses the geographic and meteorological foundations of the area, along with an overview of the extremely difficult 2003 harvest and a brief discussion of market conditions for Eastern wineries. Next month, Chien will broach disease and pest control issues, managing viticulture in diverse seasonal weather and the academic and future mark...