Just to add some "other" thoughts.

Australian and New Zealand wines are coming to the US in droves. If not in your neighborhood try the internet. 3 years ago, I had a case of Jacob Creek (Australian) sent to me from NY. Now it is available in most stores here in Los Angeles area.

Secondly, ALMOST NO ONE (dinner houses excluded) charges more for their wines that the winery. If you do not believe this then you just are not well informed. It seems backwards, but that is the way it is. A grocery store, liquor chain or importer buy 1000 cases, you buy one...go figure. Jacob Creek wine A$12 in Australia, A$8 at Coles in Western Australia!!!, Albertsons in Downey $6.99 us. Figure in the special packaging and I have lost money and "killed" myself carring it. I paid $98 us from NY for a case, including the special box for the Cab, which I still cannot find here.

We also buy a lot of San Ynez wines. The winery price is generally almost double the sale price at the grocery store. Even cheaper big time, at the local liquor store in the area of the winery.

Breaking the law does not make since in importing wines, a silly to commit a federal offense! The chances of getting caught are increasing with the extra security.

One bottle breaking can ruin a lifetime of "importing".

The last time we brought back a bottle on UA, it, along with some perfume, was stolen by baggage. We have sent letters, phoned 1k filled out the claim sheet and still have nothing to show for our loss. What are you to do if your case of wine does not show up?? Do you think you will be compensated?

Might consider doing a web search for wine vendors. My "wino" in NY is Pops.