Shopping at Costco on a Monday can go many ways, but it seems I do learn something new with every crossing of the warehouse threshold.

Could be something as mundane as searching for Shepard's Pie, only to discover the epicurean concoction has a season. That is correct. Shepard's Pie is only available during, Shepard's Pie Season. Translation: the Fall of the year.

Sometimes you must deal with long check-out  lines (even the self-serve), and crowded aisles filled with people overly eager to snatch-and-grab great deals on as assortment of must-have items.

On the other hand, it is possible to sail through the place, happily filling your cart with true goodies, and check out in the flashiest-of-flashes.

But, one quick note...never, ever, try to help the cart-wranglers as they wrestle those things back into the chute. Gerry tried to help the 80 pound juvenile, who was pushing and tugging on a long line of rowdy carts (they were going everywhere even though a long strap encircled them). The kid curtly told Gerry to "Let them go."

He did.

So much for being a good Samaritan at the Costco entrance.

This week, what did I discover?

Costco has a Sommelier.

Everyone, except me, is probably well aware of this Customer Service bonus. Personally, I had no idea.

Therefore, while perusing the aisle of bubbling libations, I was taken off-guard when a stately looking gentleman asked if I needed assistance. I thanked him, but declined his offer.

Pushing through the aisle, Gerry and I were discussing the merits of one Prosecco in particular, and were quickly told, from SG (stately gentleman) who was still hanging nearby, we were about to buy utter-swill. He offered his opinion on one labeled Valdobbiadene. Actually, he did not use anything close to the word swill.

He did claim he drank the brand himself, said he mixed it with pomegranate juice and it was divine.

When we still hesitated, he claimed it was their top seller.

When a persistent guy stands beside you looking like he should be serving 100-year-old wines to Queen E, and her chums, at Buckingham Palace, ultimately, you heed his words.

We did.

The juice is chilling, but we are still amazed that Costco has a distinguished and extremely well-dressed looking guy lurking around the cheap vino, offering his two-cents.

Was it a fluke?

Was it the Universe sending us a nice gesture to make-up for the rude kid at the entrance?

Was he simply a random customer, filled to the brim with wine factoids just pretending to be a part of the Costco inner-circle?

He did refer to Costco in a way that seemed close to his heart, so we are going to accept him as an authority on cheap, sparking wine.

We don't buy much wine at Costco, but we may now. I want to ask his opinion on a few more labels. -- Pam