We read in Parashat Noach that soon after Noach's departure from the ark in which he survived the flood, he took on farming and sowed a vineyard (9:20). Rashi, citing the Midrash, interprets this verse as presenting a critical assessment of Noach's choice of profession. Rather than involving himself in the production of grapes, Noach should have chosen other, more vital agricultural endeavors as the first step toward rebuilding the earth after the flood.
The Chatam Sofer, however, suggests a different reading, whereby Noach was indeed justified in choosing this particular enterprise. Recall that immediately upon exiting the ark Noach constructed an altar and offered animal sacrifices which were pleasing to God (8:20-21). Conceivably, the Chatam Sofer writes, Noach's intention in planting a vineyard was to produce wine with which to offer nesakhim (libations) upon the altar. Just as he had earned God's favor by offering animals on the altar, he perhaps similarly intended to bring a libation offering as an expression of his gratitude and submission to the Almighty. Unfortunately, Noach first partook of the wine before bringing a libation. As we know, he became intoxicated and engaged in inappropriate conduct, quickly falling from the great stature of piety by which he was characterized prior to this incident.
According to the Chatam Sofer's theory, the story of Noach after the flood exemplifies the all-too-common phenomenon of projects that are begun with idealistic motives but ultimately lose their altruistic quality. Occasionally movements and institutions are initiated out of a sincere desire to effectuate positive change, but with time egos and greed displace altruism as the driving force behind the enterprise. The parties involved lose their sense of mission and idealism, and focus instead on the pursuit of fame, wealth or other vanities. Noach, according to the Chatam Sofer, initiated this project out of a sincere desire to serve God, but ultimately he used it for his own indulgence and pleasure. The idealistic spirit with which he planted the vineyard did not pass the test of time, and eventually gave way to far less admirable goals and ambitions.