How was I supposed to know this
identical unit was not a "genuine" VT? No mention was ever made of "grey market" VT's in any of my research. After first accusing me of buying an "illegal counterfeit" the woman at VT then relented and told me the unit was probably purchased from the same factory and someone placed an Vinotemp emblem on it. While the photo is not good the emblem is a "raised" or "domed" acrylic piece that looks very authentic. I'm guessing this unit came off the very same assembly line right down to the emblem.
Anyhow, they got my $12US for 2 simple screws so I guess I'm a bona fide VT customer now!
I've beat this dead horse long enough and you've heard the last of it from me.