(HuffingtonPost) - Family Winemakers of California is the primary trade association for the state's wineries. They lobby -- for increased market access, fewer taxes and fees, and less regulation -- and they assist members in marketing their wines. The primary way they assist in marketing is through organizing large tastings for the trade and media. The biggest of these tastings is the annual two-day event at San Francisco's Fort Mason Festival Pavillion, which took place on Sunday and Monday this week. Buyers fly in from around the country for this event, which I've attended for several years now. Last year over 300 producers were on hand. This year, however, following months of reports showing significant post-recession recovery in fine wine sales, there were less than 250 participating wineries.