In regards to RD - When it was first announced I went to my local store and Marani was not in their system. They emailed their buyer in southern CA who confirmed Marani would be coming within a week (it was longer). At that time I questioned the sales rep about how one gets a local product (like a wine) into one local market store (which they do). They can make a request however everything must get approved through the buyer in southern CA.

A few weeks back when I checked with RD again they had Marani in their system but not on the shelves anywhere. I was told by a sales rep that means product could be in any day.

When I checked earlier this week Marani was on the shelf. I later emailed to see if it was in other locations. In the reply I was told it was currently stocked in 12 west coast stores. That means on the shelf. I did not inquire as to why it was not at all locations. However I assume it could it is in transport or held up by "state" red tape/paperwork.

RD wants to become more of a liquor distributor and business owners do buy there for personal consumption. I wouldn't think of it is a test run or permanent since everyone is aware Marani will have to grow demand. While there, one sales rep said "I haven't heard of Marani, is it good?" The other sales rep said "I heard Marani has some what of a following" I took that as a positive response.

I will be in Cabo until the 10th so I will not be able to ask any details about RD permanency or trial runs. Sorry I couldn't be more specific on this detail.

In regards to the Costco I have not done any local DD.

FYI Hi Times Wine Cellars sells about 1 case per day.