Regarding the direct shipping laws, I know they were overturned in a few states late last year (my folks in NC had the problems Doug has until then, now they can order wine -- woo woo!)
I remember reading this late last year - maybe the decision in NY state has been reached that the article mentions?
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Archives/Show_Article/0,1275,3880,00.html
