Champagne Problems (2025) Movie Script
Let's talk about champagne.
Champagne isn't just a drink,
it's a celebration.
The night they invented champagne
Champagne rings in the new year
and makes toasts at every wedding.
Champagne means
it's time to party.
That all we'd want to do is
Fly to the sky on champagne
Even the sound of a cork popping
is enough to get people excited.
See what I mean?
So, what is it about a sparkling wine
from a tiny region in France
that makes it so special?
Legend has it that it all began
in the 17th century
with a Franciscan monk named Dom Prignon.
It was Dom Prignon's task
to make wine for his monastery,
but one day, he thought
he'd try something different.
He put yeast and sugar
into his wine to ferment,
and to Dom's amazement,
the yeast ate the sugar
and converted into
Bubbles!
The monk took one sip
of this sparkling elixir and said
Come quickly!
I am tasting the stars!
You see,
champagne has always had
a bit of magic to it.
And now TRG has a chance
to become a part of that storied tradition
by acquiring one of the most
celebrated domains in France,
Chteau Cassell.
And with over 200 brands to our name,
it's time we finally ventured
into the champagne market.
And soon, who knows?
We could all be tasting the stars.
Very good, Sydney.
You've clearly thought
this acquisition through.
Thank you, Marvin.
And that's why I'm sending you to Paris
to make your presentation directly
to Hugo Cassell.
What?
Uh Marvin?
I've handled M&A for France and the UK
for the past three years.
Oh, and what a fine job you've done, Ryan.
But we've been chasing Chteau Cassell
for years now with no luck.
But something tells me
our luck is about to change.
What do you say, Sydney? Think you can
get this wrapped up by Friday?
I'll pack my bags.
-Tasting the stars?
-Too much?
Not for Marvin, evidently.
I can't believe he's letting me
take on an acquisition.
I mean, usually, I do all the legwork,
then he passes it off to some moron.
-No offense.
-Some taken.
I championed Uptown Elle when
nobody thought it could be profitable.
Stillwater Vodka's
one of TRG's top earners.
Even when I'm batting a thousand,
Marvin keeps on moving the goalposts.
-Those sports don't go together.
-Not this time.
This is my chance to prove to Marvin
and everyone at TRG
that I'm ready to take charge.
Well, if I'm gonna lose out
on an acquisition,
I'm just glad it's to you.
Nice try.
It was a nice try, wasn't it?
Come on.
- Look, I'm just trying to help.
- Yeah, right.
What about baking cookies
and watching Die Hard together?
- It's tradition.
- I'll be back by Christmas Eve.
Okay, okay.
So, what are you gonna do first?
I'm going to work, Sky.
You should start at the Eiffel Tower.
It's a total clich, I know,
but when you see it in person,
it's like an out-of-body experience.
I don't have time for sightseeing, Sky.
This is a huge opportunity for me.
You sound like Mom.
What's wrong with that?
You know what I mean.
No, I don't.
Mom had a dream
of owning her own company one day,
and she would have if she just had
some investors who believed in her.
Remember how
she used to talk about Venice?
How she would drink Bellinis at Carnival?
Yeah.
And then it was too late.
And you and I
pinky promised each other
that when we grew up, we'd see the world.
Well, I held up my end.
I backpacked across Europe twice.
I walked the Great Wall of China.
I hiked the pyramids of Machu Picchu.
You have $18 in the bank.
Hey, that's not the point.
The point is that
you are long overdue for an adventure.
Even if it's just for one night.
So, promise me, sis
Promise me that you will take one night
off from work while you're there.
One night to just
be Sydney again.
Okay. I promise.
Pinky promise.
- Damn it.
- Pinky promise.
You are so annoying.
I love you too.
Hi, Marvin.
Uh, my flight was delayed,
but I'm on my way to the hotel now.
I made a few tweaks to my proposal.
I prepared three separate pitches,
depending on how much time
Cassell gives me in the room.
Good. It seems
we're not the only game in town.
There'll be competition
for Chteau Cassell
and for Cassell's attention.
Uh, Otto Moller from Weingut,
Brigitte Laurent from Terrebonne,
and there's a Roberto Salazar from Ibiza.
He's a bit of a wild card.
But don't worry. I'm on it.
I knew I was right
sending you to Paris.
- I won't let you down.
- Oh, I know you won't.
Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Hi. Sydney Price checking in.
Staying for only two nights?
-Yes.
-What a shame.
Christmas in Paris
is such a wonderful time of year.
Maybe next time you'll get to stay longer.
Mm-hmm.
Merci beaucoup.
Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Hi. Can you tell me
if there's a bookstore nearby?
-Of course.
-One with an English language section?
I wanna buy a gift for my sister.
Okay.
Voil.
Uh, Les toiles?
I think they will have
what you're searching for.
-Do you need a map?
-Nope.
I've got the whole route
planned right in here.
Ah, I see you've come prepared.
Always.
Ho, ho, ho!
Ho, ho, ho!
Damn it.
Ho, ho, ho!
Yes, just a cappuccino, please.
Excuse me.
Uh
Parlez-vous anglais?
Oui.
I mean, yes.
Oh.
Uh, can you help me find the,
um, self-help section?
Self-help?
Self-development?
Self-development. Um Oh, oui.
Um, dveloppement personnel.
Yeah. Can you help me find that, please?
Uh, oui.
Uh, follow me.
Excuse me.
What does this say?
Um, "I accept the great adventure
of being me."
Simone de Beauvoir.
It's so beautiful.
Very beautiful.
Voil.
- Oh, yes, of course. Thank you.
- Yeah.
-You're welcome.
-Let's see what we have here. Um
The Ultimate Guide to Self-sabotage.
That's good.
No.
Get Out of Bed and Get Out of Debt.
That's kind of mean, but kind of true.
Oh. Growing Up at Any Age. Wow.
That's just perfect.
Wow.
Oh, you think these are for me?
No, no, no, no, no. These aren't for me.
-These are for my little sister.
-Okay.
Yeah, she's been going through
a little bit of a rough patch lately.
- Oh.
- Actually, it's a big patch.
- Hm.
- Huge, really.
Don't get me wrong. I love my sister.
And, you know,
if I'm actually completely honest,
I'm probably partly to blame
because I've been taking care of her
ever since she was really little, and
Wow, I'm rambling.
Sorry.
- No, no.
- Whew!
Jet lag.
But you're probably used to that
working here.
I don't work here.
What?
I don't work here.
But I saw you helping that woman
find a book downstairs.
Yeah, um, Les toiles is
my favorite bookstore in Paris.
I spend a lot of time here.
Clearly.
Soon, I'll open a bookstore
of my own just like it.
Except mine will have
a wine bar in the back.
-I'm just looking for the right location.
-A wine bookstore.
Yep.
I'd never leave.
Henri.
Sydney.
Enchant.
- Enchante.
- Um
Um
First time in Les toiles?
-It's my first time in Paris.
-No way.
Yeah, and I only have one night
to see the sights, so I um
I better get going.
In one night?
C'est impossible.
No, I know. That's why I've got
a whole list of things I need to see,
along with the times allocated
for each stop.
Next is the Eiffel Tower.
Why?
Why?
- Why?
- Because it's the Eiffel Tower.
And I wanna see the view from the top.
I know a better view,
and we'll have it all to ourselves.
We?
Well, I'd I'd have to take you there.
You'll never find it on your own.
Well, that is very sweet,
but I have a reservation
at Caf de Flore that I can't miss.
Caf de Flore?
Nope.
There is more authentic Parisian food
in the Christmas markets,
and for just a few euros.
Where are they?
-Not far.
-Let me guess. You can take me there.
If you insist. Yeah, why not?
I mean, you need a guide
to show you the city
and to keep you safe
from des personnes bizarres.
Des personnes bizarres?
Is that, like, strangers
who pretend to work in bookstores
and hit on helpless tourists?
You think I'm flirting with you?
Aren't you?
Absolutely.
It was nice
to meet you, Henri.
Good luck with your wine bookstore.
Wait.
I know this sounds crazy.
And I know you don't understand
a word that I'm saying.
But I just want to spend time with you.
I want to get to know you.
And if you accept my invitation
I promise to show you why this is
the most magnificent city in the world.
Okay, let's say
I do go with you.
What exactly are you gonna show me?
Christmas in Paris.
You can't leave Paris
without trying a crpe.
Merci.
For you.
Mmm.
Mmm.
-Ooh. You have to try macaron. Just one.
-No, no, no, no. This is enough.
Voil.
Mmm.
It's tradition. Hot wine.
Only one because I have a meeting
in the morning.
Mm.
So, what do you do?
Can't really talk about it.
Why? Are you a spy or something?
Are you?
-No.
-Ah.
It's just that I promised my sister
I wouldn't talk about work for one night.
And ever since we were kids,
if we pinky promised,
we have to keep our word.
Mais qu'est-ce que c'est, "pinky promise?"
Oh, it's, um
-Now you.
-Okay.
That's a pinky promise.
Wow.
You promised me a view better than that?
Whoa, it's stunning!
I haven't been on a Ferris wheel
since I was a little girl.
My mother used to take me here
every Christmas.
It was our tradition.
Just the two of us.
-Is she
-Yeah.
She died when I was six.
I'm sorry.
My mom died when I was 15.
It was just me and my sister after that.
What about your father?
He took off right after Skyler was born.
I don't remember much about him.
What about you?
Oof. I wish my father would take off.
Wow.
-Hm. That bad, huh?
-Ugh.
My father is a
What's that?
Um
A hole in the ass?
No? What?
No, I I like the way you say it.
He wants me to take over
the family business.
But I just want to chase my own dream.
So we argue all the time.
"There is a sweetness
in the laughter of the stars."
That's beautiful.
It's from my favorite book
when I was a boy.
Le Petit Prince.
Why was it your favorite?
Long story.
Well, looks like we have time.
Okay.
My mother gave me that book
when I was five.
She would read it to me every night
before I went to bed.
But then she got ill,
and soon I was all alone,
just like le petit prince.
Mm.
But I still had the book
and I could smell her perfume
on the pages.
I carried it with me wherever I went.
So much that my father
threatened to throw it in the trash.
So I hid it from him
and I hid it so many times
and in so many places
that one day I forgot where I put it.
But whenever I look up at the stars,
I think of her.
And if I close my eyes
I can still smell her perfume.
So
yeah.
That's why it's my favorite.
I think it just became my favorite too.
You were only married for two years?
I can't believe
I'm telling you this.
This is not like me.
Must be the hot wine talking.
Mmm.
What is that?
The wine enters
and the reason leaves.
-French have great sayings.
-Yeah. Stop avoiding the question.
Okay.
-He cheated on me.
-Ah.
I was devastated.
And I joke about it now.
Seems like I'm over it, but I'm not.
Why would you pretend
everything is okay?
I guess
I'm still trying to prove myself.
To my boss
and to my ex.
And to my father, who I don't even know.
I act like I'm fearless,
but on the inside, I feel like a fraud.
Like I'm not good enough.
You know what I mean?
Oh, oui.
I'm still trying to prove myself
to my father
that I can be successful on my own.
He thinks I'm going to fail.
You won't. I believe in you.
And if you need any help
with that wine bookstore, let me know
'cause, uh, saving small business
is kind of my thing.
Careful.
Your pinky promise.
Right.
Skyler was right. I needed this.
This is the best time I've had in forever.
Me too.
Sometimes, you can live a whole life
in just one day.
I had a great life today.
Me too.
No!
Sydney?
Marcel.
-Mademoiselle.
-Help.
I'm late for my meeting, and I need a taxi
to take me to this address.
Oh, a cab will take 30 minutes now.
There's construction on the Rue de Rivoli.
-Everything is backed up.
-What do I do?
You can walk this way,
through the Trocadro Gardens,
and that will get you there in 20 minutes.
Isn't there a faster way?
Oui.
-Run.
-Ugh.
Ugh.
Okay.
Bonjour. Sydney Price.
I'm here for my 12 o'clock.
-You're late.
-I know.
I am so sorry.
Follow me.
Good luck.
Merci.
Oh, thank you. Okay.
Thank you so much.
Merci beaucoup.
Hello.
Um, I'm Sydney Price.
Hi, Sydney. I'm Roberto.
Nice to meet you, Roberto.
And this is Otto Moller from Weingut
and Brigitte Laurent from Terrebonne.
Oh. I was so impressed
with your acquisition
of Chteau Drummond last year.
-The way you turned that business around--
-Let's cut the crap, shall we?
Okay.
I've known Hugo Cassell
for over 30 years.
And although we may argue
on almost everything,
there is one thing we agree on.
Champagne should stay in France.
Chteau Cassell
needs to be run more efficiently.
-Nobody is as efficient as the Germans.
-Oh.
Cassell will see that the answer
to his problems lies not in patriotism
but in genauigkeit und Przision.
I have no idea what you just said,
but it sounded terrifying.
I'm so sorry. I'm a little bit confused.
Why are we all meeting together?
Hugo thrives on competition.
You won't just be pitching to him.
You will be pitching to us too.
Great.
Bonjour. Brigitte.
Gentlemen. Miss Price.
So
who wants to start?
I'll go.
Monsieur Cassell,
let me be perfectly honest with you.
-I've never worked a day in my life.
-Hm.
My father is worth $30 billion
because he invented a microchip thingy
that goes into a what-now.
I don't get it.
But what I do know
is that every time I throw a party,
I break out the Chteau Cassell Grand Cru.
And I throw a lot of parties.
I came here today
because I love your champagne.
And I'm concerned
that if somebody buys your company,
the quality will suffer,
and so will my parties.
You want to buy Chteau Cassell to
keep the party going?
Chteau Cassell
turns my troubles into bubbles.
Sit down.
Yes, sir.
Mademoiselle Price.
I don't see how
you could possibly top that,
but
for the love of God, please try.
Two years ago, Chteau Cassel
sold six million bottles of Grand Cru.
Last year, it sold four million.
Your production dropped dramatically,
mostly due to the poor harvest,
but that didn't stop the demand.
Your champagne is wonderful,
but your production arm is antiquated.
With the backing of The Roth Group--
Excusez-moi.
Bonjour
-Sydney?
-Henri?
- What are you doing here?
- What are you doing here?
Henri is the vice president
of Chteau Cassell
and my son.
He's your son?
You know each other?
Uh
Um We met last night.
We met at Les toiles.
Of course you did.
Henri spends more time in that bookstore
than he does at the office.
The Roth Group.
Yes, I was just about to tell
Monsieur Cassell about my company.
-I know all about Marvin Roth.
-You do?
He raids small businesses
and breaks them into little pieces
to sell off to the highest bidder.
-What are you talking about?
-I'm talking about Chteau Laberge.
Ryan Garner from The Roth Group
acquired its famed Bordeaux
and then forced Pierre Laberge
out of his own company.
I don't know anything about that.
Then maybe you should do some research
before you come to steal
another French vineyard.
Henri. That's enough.
Forgive us.
Henri means well,
but he has his father's temper.
It was always my hope that he would
take over Chteau Cassell one day.
For centuries, les Cassell have passed
down this domain from father to son.
But that all stops now with Henri.
C'est la vie.
TRG can guarantee that you'll stay on
as president even after the sale.
Those are just words.
I can put it in writing.
Like you did with Chteau Laberge?
I came here today to hear your proposals
for Chteau Cassell.
I was prepared
to make a decision right here, but
that was a mistake.
I don't want you to tell me why
you are the right buyer for my vineyard.
I want you to show me.
You will be my guests
at Chteau Cassell for the weekend.
By Monday, I will make my decision.
My assistant Claudine
will prepare your travel plans.
He's the owner's son?
I mean, what are the chances?
In my world, excellent.
Still, you gotta admit, there's some sort
of crazy serendipity going on.
It's like it was fate.
There is no fate but what we make.
- You're quoting Terminator 2 again.
- God, I'm anxious.
I always quote Terminator 2
when I'm anxious.
You're getting stronger!
You're a Kelly Clarkson song!
Wait, what?
Where are you?
SoulCycle. Which reminds me,
can you Venmo me $500 when you get a sec?
I'll pay you back
when my influencer money rolls in.
Who have you ever influenced?
I'm not even sure I'm gonna have a job
next week thanks to you.
How is this my fault?
You're the one who told me to take
the day off and not talk about work.
I said take a night off.
I didn't say sleep with the owner's son.
This is a disaster.
Okay, so things are a bit messy.
But don't you see how perfect this is?
It's like the universe is forcing you
to find a balance between work and love.
And you can do it, Syd.
You're a
You're a Kelly Clarkson song!
I love you.
I love you more.
-Gotta go.
-Bye.
This is first class, right?
Just can't tell the difference.
- Yay, Sydney's here!
- Hi.
-Let's get this party started.
-It's 9 a.m.
-I know, right?
-Excuse
Mein Freund, have you never read
what alcohol does to the body?
I have, and that is why I gave up reading.
My body is a temple.
Hm. Mine's more of a bouncy castle.
Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
May I offer you wine, cheese, or coffee?
Cheese!
Oui.
Care to join me, Sydney?
Oh, I'm lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerant? In France?
Oh, you're lucky. The only thing
I'm intolerant to is exercise.
I'm in the fitness relocation program.
Yeah, I look at my clothes and I go,
"I can't fit in this, I can't fit in this,
I can't fit in this."
You haven't touched your mimosa.
- Just take it.
- Yes!
Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to Chteau Cassell.
The Cassell family
has lived here
ever since the chteau was built in 1682.
I'll just help myself to this.
Mmm.
So is this like an honor system?
Just so parched.
It's cozy in here.
Too cozy.
This is Bulles.
- Hi.
- Hey, he likes you.
Yeah. Hi, buddy.
Philippe, where's Hugo?
Monsieur Cassell
is running late, I'm afraid.
Important business.
He sends his apologies
and will join you all for dinner tonight.
Maintenant, I'll show you your rooms.
Why are you bringing up
Chteau Laberge? That was years ago.
Uh, maybe
because there's a little animosity
with how he was treated by Ryan.
The company was overvalued
when we acquired it.
We did what we had to do to turn a profit.
Marvin.
If I worry about every company that
felt like they were screwed on a deal,
I'd be out of business.
Bu-- What's gotten into you, Sydney?
You haven't been the same
since you got to Paris.
- You're a nice person, Sydney.
- Thank you.
That's not a compliment!
You gotta show me you can be ruthless.
I can. I I can be ruthless.
- You gotta be strong.
- I am.
-I'm a Kelly Clarkson song.
-What?
I don't know. Sorry.
You wanted this opportunity.
Don't make me regret it.
You won't. I promise.
Marvin?
Pack your bag.
Already packed.
Hello.
Anyone?
Hello, Bubbles!
Oh!
Bonjour, Henri.
Bonjour, Philippe.
I didn't hear you pull up.
It's because I got a new electric Peugeot.
You should give it a spin this weekend.
-Ah!
-It's fast.
Ooh, I like fast.
Yes, I know.
Your guests have arrived.
I was just showing them to their rooms.
Bon.
Where is the Grinch?
Out in the barn.
Still trying to turn
a lemon into lemonade.
I'll be right back.
Merde. Merde.
Merde. Merde. Merde!
Ready to admit defeat?
Ha! Never!
You'll see. It will be the pride
of the pernay auto show.
Oui.
You say that every year, and it dies
before it even leaves the barn.
Not this year.
The Citron will ride again.
I guarantee it!
Bon alors
How was the drive?
Easy. I entered the address,
and the car chose the best route.
Where's the fun in that?
- It's called progress.
- Ah?
Maybe you've heard of it?
Ha!
Is everyone here?
Yes, apparently.
And what's this all about?
You never host on the holidays.
How would you know?
You haven't been home
for three Christmases.
You wouldn't be home now
if not for the merger.
And Sydney Price.
What does that mean?
Nothing, nothing.
-I saw the way you looked at her.
-Oh?
Passion looks good on you.
Do you really want to end up
like Chteau Laberge?
That was a young Bordeaux
on the wrong side of the Garonne.
This is a legacy champagne
with centuries of history to its name!
Legacy means nothing to them!
Who are you to talk about legacy, huh,
when you refuse to carry on mine?
- This isn't about me!
- Well, it should be!
Merde!
Best day ever.
You know, ever since I was a little boy,
I only ever wanted
three things for Christmas.
A monkey butler, a robot butler,
and friends like the friends in Friends.
I am surrounded by imbeciles.
That is beautiful, Brigitte.
What was Christmas like for you, Otto?
Oh, a typical German Christmas.
We covered ourselves in ashes,
crouching in the shadows,
eating marzipan and knackwurst
while hiding from Krampus.
Who's Krampus?
Oh, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon
who punishes evil children
at Christmastime.
-That sounds terrifying.
-Mm.
Not as terrifying as his wife,
Frau Perchta.
She replaces the intestines
of rude children with garbage.
Some call her the mother of recycling.
Like most Germans, I learned that Krampus
wasn't real in my mid-twenties.
It was a dark day, I can tell you.
But I still love Christmas.
It's the one time I can sit by a dead tree
eating candy out of my shoes
without feeling judged.
Bonsoir.
Bonsoir.
And so it begins.
Good evening, everyone.
I hope you are all settled in
and that your rooms are to your liking.
They're beautiful, thank you.
Brigitte.
Chre Brigitte.
We've known each other for what,
30 years now?
- Thirty-two.
- Ooh.
-Thirty-two. A lifetime.
-Mm-hmm.
I always know when you've got
something on your mind. Please.
We have dedicated our lives
to this business,
unlike Americans
who can't tell the difference
between champagne and sparkling wine.
Hugo, my father worked
in the vineyards, just like yours.
You agree with me that
Chteau Cassell must remain in France
because that's where champagne belongs.
In French hands like ours.
Sorry, I missed most of that.
My French is limited.
Of course.
But I do know this
"Who doesn't advance,
goes backwards."
Yes. Very good, Sydney.
That's the spirit.
Look, in 2017 you had a warm spring
that prompted early budburst.
A severe frost in late April
caused 40% of the crop to die.
You should have had reserves
from the 2015 and 2016 harvest,
but you didn't have
the backup storage facilities
to take advantage of those banner years.
Terrebonne suffered the same fate.
And it'll happen again
if you stay stuck in the ways of the past.
The Terrebonne brand
will anchor Chteau Cassell
to one of the greatest domains
in the world.
Mr. Cassell is drowning in debt,
and you're offering him an anchor?
Mm!
- As requested, monsieur.
- Ah.
This is the first test of the weekend.
We are going to see how well you know
Chteau Cassell Grand Cru.
-I want you to close your eyes.
-But the label's already been masked.
There are variations in color
in each vintage of champagne.
I don't want you to see it with your eyes.
I want you to see it with your nose,
your tongue, even your ears.
Please, close your eyes.
Before you now is a glass
of Chteau Cassell Grand Cru.
Pick up your glass
and raise it to your nose.
Breathe in.
Tell me what you see.
Honeydew melon, yellow apple.
Mm. Sydney, what about you?
Um, grapefruit and, um
ginger.
Excellent.
Otto?
I smell nothing.
I damaged my olfactory nerves in 2016
playing a violent game
of eisstockschieen.
Ah.
Roberto?
The Mediterranean. Saint-Tropez.
Surprising. Tell me more.
It was the summer of 2012,
and I was living on my father's yacht.
I met an agoraphobic sailor named Gunther
who never left the harbor.
We had a torrid romance.
Although I begged him to stay,
I knew that one day he'd have to confront
his fear of the open water.
And that was when Gunther
set sail for Patagonia.
There, his ship crashed
onto the rocks of Cape Horn,
and he sank to the bottom of the ocean.
Roberto, I'm sorry.
Or he ghosted me.
It's so hard to tell.
Either way, I never saw Gunther again.
Anyhoo, that's what
this champagne says to me. Oh.
And it's a 1987 Chteau Cassell Grand Brut
Blanc de Noir Millsime Special Edition.
Holy shit! How do you know that?
This is what I do.
I drink champagne,
I throw parties, and I know things.
Well done.
What is this?
I wasn't sure what to serve
on your arrival,
but Brigitte had a wonderful idea.
With over a thousand varieties
in France alone,
cheese is more than food.
It's part of our culture, our history.
To get to know France,
it's to get to know and love cheese.
Everything okay, Sydney?
Yes, of course.
Philippe, be sure to give her
the Camembert first, then the Brie.
A nice chunk of Roquefort
pairs so well with the Sancerre.
Uh, followed by a wedge of Reblochon.
Don't skip on the Munster.
And lastly, finish with le Pont-l'vque.
Vive la France!
Vive la France!
What do you want?
My father asked me to check on you.
I think he's a little worried
with how quickly you left dinner.
I'm fine. I'm just a little
-Did you
-No.
It's okay.
I'm lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerant?
-Ugh. Cheese hates me.
-No.
-Oui.
-Aww.
That is the saddest thing I ever heard.
In fact, we have a saying.
"Sad as a meal without cheese."
That's me.
-One sad meal.
-Why didn't you say something?
After all that "France is cheese" stuff?
No chance.
And I wasn't gonna let Brigitte
think she got to me.
She's ruthless.
I think I just need to lay low tonight.
I'm afraid that's impossible.
Why? What are we gonna do now?
O-M-G.
- Henri?
- Come on.
Why don't you
and Sydney take the lead?
I'm terrified of horses.
Don't worry.
It's just like a big dog.
- I'm terrified of dogs.
- How are you with cats?
Roberto, please have a seat.
-You okay?
-Mm-hmm.
Let's go to
the Festival of Light!
This is the best day ever.
I had a feeling
that you would approve, Roberto.
Whoa! Yeah!
Everybody,
Christmas tree selfie!
O-M-G.
-I have to text you this.
-Nein. Photos are a waste of storage.
-Come on! You look adorable.
-Nein. Do not text me any photos, please.
Okay, I won't.
AirDropped.
Who is that?
Le Pre Nol.
- France's Santa Claus.
- More like Zaddy Claus.
I'll check you guys later.
I'm gonna try to get on the naughty list.
Brigitte, come with me.
-I think I'll go-- Thank you.
-Oh yes. Please, of course.
There's always
next year for you.
Yes, there's always next year,
Brigitte.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I have something for you.
This.
-Macarons?
-Yep.
The best in Champagne.
So I'm supposed to forgive you
for acting like a jerk
in exchange for a box of macarons?
- Okay, I'll take it back.
- No, I was just clarifying the terms.
Oh, okay.
I'm sorry.
My father makes me crazy, and
And I guess I have a lot of guilt
over not taking over Chteau Cassell.
I'm sorry too.
When I found out you weren't
who I thought you were, I got scared.
Me and trust aren't exactly
on speaking terms these days.
You can trust me.
Yeah!
To feel it all and let it ring out
And so how do I get out? Is it out
Oh, I've been hoping
Yeah, oh, oh, oh
And I've been dreaming
Yeah, oh, oh, oh
I've got a feeling
Yeah, oh, oh, oh
Right here and
If you feel it in your soul
Let it out and let it glow
Let it, let it, let it ring
Just text him.
No, it's, like, the busiest time
of the year for him, isn't it?
- So what?
- I shouldn't text him.
I'll just play hard to get.
- Hm.
- I'm exhausted.
Good night to you all.
You should all get
a good night's sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day.
- Good night, Brigitte.
- Good night.
Well, you heard him.
We should all get some sleep.
And you can't get some sleep
without a nightcap.
-Why not?
-How are you still standing?
Right?
Part of me says I shouldn't drink so much,
then the other part of me says,
"Don't listen to him. He's drunk."
-Come on, Otto.
-Oh, yeah, okay.
- Thank you for peer-pressuring me.
- Oh, no problem. It's what I do.
Am I enabling you
by just standing here and watching you?
Um Would you like to join them?
I'd love to, but I think
I should prepare for tomorrow.
Yeah.
Yeah, you're right. It will be a long day.
Good night.
Good night, Sydney.
Come in.
Hi, Sydney.
- I can't sleep.
- Oof, tell me about it.
Turns out Pre Nol has an OnlyFans page.
Okay, what's on your mind?
Henri.
Honey, you fell in love in Paris,
the most romantic city in the world.
And then a cruel twist of fate
turned you into star-crossed lovers.
It's Moulin Rouge
without the tuberculosis.
You'd be crazy
not to be feeling crazy right now.
Thanks.
I wanna be more like you.
I wanna be fearless in love.
- You think I'm fearless?
- Mm-hmm.
I stumble all the time.
You do?
I've just learned to make it
part of the dance.
You know, love is like a test
that you didn't study for.
All you can do is wing it
and hope for the best.
Hope you get graded on a curve.
- Let me see it.
- Yeah?
-Yeah.
-You sure?
-Uh-huh.
-Okay.
- Oh.
- Uh-huh.
- Gosh.
- Yeah.
Wow. Oh.
Is this a real person?
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
What's going on? Hmm?
What's going on? Hey, buddy. Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
I was just--
- Yeah, me too.
- Okay.
Shh!
- Okay. Yeah.
- Okay.
Merde!
Hi! Hi, hi!
Good morning, Champagne!
Time to get up!
We have a full day ahead of us!
Come on, everybody, wake up!
Come on, Roberto!
-Is this work?
-Yes, Roberto, this is work.
Ah, Sydney! Otto!
- Ow!
- Quite ready.
How are you ready?
You know how they say
-Sorry?
-The early bird catches a worm.
And I've got worms for days.
Yeah, sorry about that.
You too, Brigitte.
Also you, Henri.
Come on, everybody!
So most of the people think that
vineyards go quiet in the winter.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, we are even busier in the winter
than we are in the spring.
And it starts here, with the pruning.
Do it wrong, and rot and insects
will find a way into the vines.
Do it correctly,
and they will flourish for decades.
Let's get to work
and see who has what it takes.
Yeah, okay.
Each of you take a row and your tool.
Ah! I'm sorry.
This is allowed? I'm allowed to do this?
- Yes, you are.
- Wow.
- Here, you cut the same twice. Like this.
- Okay.
-Come on, Roberto.
-I think I'm done.
-No, no, no. A bit more.
-I feel like I'm freeing the vines.
At first they were afraid,
they were petrified,
and now I'm circumcising them.
You have to do all of that.
-I'm sorry?
-Yeah.
Here and here. One, two.
- Okay.
- Yeah, it's good.
I could use a champagne break
right about now.
Ooh, this is more like it.
These aren't fit to drink,
Roberto, not yet.
First, we have to remove the sediment
that has gathered in the bottles.
To do this, the bottles are rotated
one-quarter turn
throughout the winter month.
It's called riddling.
You take the first bottle,
the fourth bottle, and you turn.
Next row, next row.
And make no mistake. This is a race.
A race against time,
and for you, a race against each other.
-Yeah.
-Oh, what's that mean?
Oh, it's all about the sausage now.
Okay, that clears up nothing.
-Uh, Otto.
-Yes.
Roberto. Sydney.
- Henri, are you ready?
- Mm-hmm.
Okay, mine are dusty.
Brigitte, do you remember this?
Can we get some gloves, or
What do you think?
Ready set go!
- Was that ready, set, go?
- Yes!
You better get started.
- I'm just giving you a head start.
- Like I need it.
Oh yeah?
I need it.
- Winner!
- Winner!
-Winner!
-Winner!
-I was first. I'm pretty sure.
-I don't think so.
- Let's see the replay.
- Run the tape.
Yes. One hand is on one, and then on four,
and then just a tiny swiveling.
- Winner!
- Uh
Um
What do we have going on here?
Oh, we're having a Christmas tree
decorating contest.
Very bizarre.
Thank you. I'm going for
a Chuck E. Cheese on psilocybin feel.
And what are you going for, Otto?
- Malaise.
- Oh.
Right.
Anyone have any holiday plans?
Yeah, I'll be throwing
my annual holiday party,
followed by my New Year's Eve bash,
and then it's my Se7en-theme
secret Santa party
called "What's in the Box-ing Day?"
I will be watching Stirb Langsam
with my family, or Die Slowly.
I believe you call it Die Hard.
You watch Die Hard on Christmas too?
Yes, but in Germany,
it's considered a tragedy.
Poor Hans Gruber.
Deeply misunderstood.
I'm pretty sure Hans Gruber
was a terrorist.
Hm. To us, Hans Gruber
was more like Robin Hood,
stealing from the greedy
corporate overlords.
It was the Nakatomi Corporation
who put its employees' lives at risk
over what was mere pocket change to them.
Uh, Robin Hood gave to the poor.
We don't know what Hans had planned
with all that money.
Perhaps he's going
to open up some schools.
A-and what about John McClane?
Oh, excuse me, that trigger-happy cowboy?
John McClane was the cause
of all that chaos
with his "yippee-ki-yay, mother-fathers."
Mm, mm, mm.
Hans Gruber was a gentleman thief.
He blew up Nakatomi Plaza!
Okay, well, nobody's perfect.
- Okay.
- Otto!
Oh, yes.
Uh, it's time for my presentation.
Yes. Okay.
May I present
the greatest network distribution
the world has ever seen.
Oh, look how rapid your bottles
move through the economy
as if gravity, i.e., tariffs, don't exist.
Oh no, it's Krampus.
He's come to ruin Christmas
and stop the distribution
of Chteau Cassell across Europe.
With goat horns on his head
Not this year, Krampus.
Weingut will stop you.
No!
Weingut Imports, protecting Christmas
from Krampus into the future.
Krampus, Krampus, Krampus.
Wow, that was
And so that
that completes, uh, my presentation.
And may I invite you to view it again?
Uh, no. No, I don't think so.
I've also prepared a director's cut.
It is 68% longer and has
much more information for your brain.
First, you make sure that the champagne
is as cold as possible,
and then you angle the bottle
at 30 to 45 degrees
and look for the seam of bubbles,
and that is where you saber the bottle.
Excuse me, Roberto, but, uh,
what does this
have to do with Chteau Cassell?
You are supposed to be making
a business proposal.
Look, you and I both know that
the only businesses I'm qualified to run
are monkey and funny.
-Ah.
-But I do know how to have fun.
Well, this will never work.
Sabering a bottle of champagne
requires a saber,
hence the term.
Oh my God!
So, as you can see,
once Terrebonne acquires Chteau Cassel,
your champagne will be distributed
across a wide range of territories,
especially throughout the Asian market,
including Singapore,
South Korea, and India,
where champagne sales have significantly
increased in recent years
Hugo, are you okay?
Excuse me. Please go on.
The good news
is that Terrebonne will help you overcome
the market-entry trade barriers
that have been a challenge
for all the French leaders
Monsieur Cassell?
Beautiful, isn't it?
Looking out at those vines,
you'd think they were sleeping
but the opposite is true.
There is so much going on
beneath the surface.
Sydney, take a walk with me, will you?
Okay.
How do you like pernay?
Mm. It's the most beautiful place
I've ever seen.
I had a feeling that you would understand.
Not everyone does.
See there?
I was married on that hill.
-Nineteen years old, can you imagine?
-Wow.
Henri was born over there.
I was in the fields pruning the vines
when my Sophie's water broke.
I barely made it back to the chteau
before he arrived.
That's Henri, impulsif.
My wife was everything to me.
But then she got sick.
And when the disease
drained the life from her,
it drained the life from me too.
I should have been stronger for Henri.
But
I could barely put one foot
in front of the other.
So I did the only thing I knew.
I worked.
Mm.
In French, we don't say, "I miss you."
We say, "Tu me manques,"
which means, "You are missing from me."
That's exactly how I've felt
since Sophie died
and how I feel with Henri even now.
I'm so sorry about Sophie.
But you don't have to miss Henri.
He's still here.
Henri wants nothing to do with me.
I wouldn't be so sure about that.
I think you're missing from him too.
Bulles!
Henri and Sydney,
you take the cellars.
-Otto, help me to search the field.
-Okay.
Roberto et Brigitte, check the chteau.
- Come.
- Bulles. Bulles!
- Bulles!
- Little dog.
Bulles!
Does he do this often?
He does it all the time.
Don't worry, we'll find him.
How did your meeting with my father go?
It wasn't even really a meeting.
He just talked about you the whole time.
Let me guess. He cursed me out
for not following in his footsteps.
No, actually, he
He talked about how much
he misses your mother
and how much he misses
having you in his life.
What else did he say?
I think he should be the one to tell you.
- I can't tell which way it's coming from.
- Huh.
Maybe we should split up.
I'll meet you back at the entrance.
Okay.
Bulles!
Hi, buddy.
What are you doing here?
Hello.
We've been looking for you.
Gotcha.
There you are!
You found him?
Yeah.
Alors
Naughty boy.
I found this too.
Mon dieu.
One more time in English.
The most difficult roads lead
to the most beautiful destinations.
- The French really do have great sayings.
- Yes, we do.
What do you think
about this unusual Christmas tree?
Gorgeous.
Ah, Henri,
I want you to meet someone.
Hey, Syd.
What are you doing here?
Marvin was getting a little anxious
about your progress,
and so he sent me here for the assist.
- I don't need an assist.
- Um, I'm sorry.
Hi. Um Who are you?
Hi.
Ryan Garner, The Roth Group.
Right.
Now if you'll excuse us,
we have business to discuss.
Your mother and I used to sit
out here every night after dinner.
I remember.
May I join you?
Do you remember playing tag
in the vineyard?
Both of you laughing so hard
that you could barely breathe
You still think about those days?
I think about them all the time.
There's something I want to tell you.
Something I should have told you
a long time ago
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I couldn't be stronger for you
when you needed me.
But I want you to know
that I'm here for you now.
And I will always be here
if you just give me the chance.
I know that
I know you always wanted me
to take on Chteau Cassell, but
But I have to find my own way.
I'm sorry, Papa.
I couldn't wish more for you
than for you to follow your own path.
What's gotten into you?
Sydney Price.
Oui.
Yeah. She does that.
You did it, Syd.
Cassell's lawyers have reached out to us
to start preliminary talks.
And Marvin's in negotiations
with Takami Imports.
What are you talking about?
Hugo didn't say anything about this.
Hugo's on a need-to-know basis,
and, uh he doesn't need to know.
At least not until after the deal when
we flip Chteau Cassell to the Japanese.
TRG is gonna make a risk-free 50 million.
And it's all because of you.
What about Hugo?
I promised him
he would stay on after the sale.
Once Takami takes over,
any previous contract will be voided.
This is everything you ever wanted.
You came here to take Chteau Cassell,
and you did it.
Mission accomplished.
You're right.
I came here to close a deal,
to make Marvin proud,
and to make a lot of money for TRG.
I did everything I came to do.
And now I wanna undo it.
Let me put this into one of your muddled
sports analogies so you can understand.
It's the bottom of the ninth.
You're at the goal line.
You can either take the ball
into the end zone,
or get thrown into the penalty box
for the rest of your career.
Henri?
Hey.
This was a mistake.
What?
I told myself I was coming here
to protect my father
but I was really coming to see you.
But now I know
that you and I could never work.
What are you talking about?
I saw a side of my father tonight
that I forgot existed.
Henri.
I need to be there for my father tomorrow,
like you need to be there
for your company.
I just think it's better
to say goodbye now.
Goodbye?
Au revoir, Sydney.
Merde.
Hi.
Hey, Hugo.
-You mind if I join you?
-Please.
How's the car coming along?
- I'm ready to admit defeat.
- Mm.
I know the feeling.
You know, my mom had a '65 Fiat.
-No kidding.
-No.
Yeah, and she fixed it herself
every time it broke down,
which was constantly.
We moved around a lot.
We stayed with my aunt
and my grandmother and
a few boyfriends that never lasted.
Whenever it was time to go, she'd fix up
that old Fiat, and we'd hit the road.
Hm.
She always made everything
feel like an adventure.
We'd stay up late and watch movies
we were too young to watch.
Like, um
Terminator 2.
And Die Hard, of course.
Anything where the hero
was up against impossible odds.
And then I got older,
and it wasn't so fun anymore.
I started to resent her.
But now I see she was doing
the best she could with what she had.
In her own way,
she was the hero of her story.
Well,
I need your mother now.
Me too.
She worked so hard.
All I ever wanted was for her to succeed.
That's why I got into this.
Every time I saved a small business,
it was like I was saving her too.
It sounds silly, doesn't it?
Not so silly.
I spent years trying to save my wife,
then my vineyard.
But I can't even save this old lemon.
-You check the carburetor?
-Yeah.
W-What about the idle jets?
Come on, baby.
Yes!
Pity I missed the car show.
Better late than never, right?
Better late than never.
Sydney,
why don't you tell me
what's really on your mind?
So I'm driving alone
Crying all the way home empty-handed
Was a hell of a show
I should laugh
But the joke never landed
The wind in my hair
For a second there
I almost believed in love
It was fun
It was fun
It was fun
Hey, buddy.
While it lasted
Hey.
You stop chasing rabbits, okay?
While it lasted
It's a stone-cold shot in the darkness
Another story you've heard
Another girl walks in
- Goodbye, Philippe.
- Goodbye, mademoiselle.
When I caught your stare
For a second there
I almost believed in love
It was fun
-It was fun
-It was fun
-It was fun
-It was fun
While it lasted
While it lasted
It was fun for a while
We had so many dreams
Love is so out of style
What the hell did we think?
Oh, oh, I almost believed in love
Okay, let's say I do go with you.
What exactly are you gonna show me?
Christmas in Paris.
While it lasted
While it lasted
Good morning, everyone.
I have enjoyed getting to know
you all this weekend.
Each of you has impressed me
by your proposal
for the future of Chteau Cassell.
As you know, this is more
than a company to me. It's my life.
Shouldn't we wait for Sydney?
That won't be necessary, Otto.
- Sydney left last night.
- What do you mean she left?
-Who gets the contract?
-Did you make a deal with Sydney?
Congratulations, Sydney!
Sorry, I suffer
from premature congratulations.
That's good, Roberto. You make me laugh.
And that's why
I'm selling Chteau Cassell to you.
I'm sorry, what now?
-What?
-What?
You're selling Chteau Cassell
to this clown? What are you thinking?
Papa, are you sure about this?
Champagne isn't like any other wine.
Champagne is for fun,
and Roberto here is all about fun.
-You are making a terrible mistake.
-Well, I made them before.
In fact, I almost made one today
by signing with your company.
Then Sydney told me what you had planned.
How your boss was going to cheat me.
What a hole in the ass.
No, Hugo, be reasonable.
Roberto is a fool.
He doesn't understand France.
He doesn't understand our business.
Hugo, she's not wrong about me.
Everything I know about France
I learned from Ratatouille.
- Oh, I love that cartoon.
- Oh, it's a classic.
But I have no idea how to run a business.
Can't I just give you the money
and we can be partners?
Roberto, I need to come up
with 60 million,
or the bank will foreclose
on the property.
Oh, thank God. I thought
you were gonna say some crazy huge number.
It's funny 'cause it's true, right?
- Yeah.
- You people are insane.
You're both crazy.
You know that?
Concerned for your liver.
Happy for you.
In this business, you have to be.
I didn't see it coming.
I don't know where it's going.
- What do we do now?
- We drink.
- Woo-hoo! Nailed it!
- Sant!
We have a saying in Germany.
Which is, uh, "Everything has an end,
except for sausage, which has two."
Wow, your people have a lot of sayings
about sausage, don't they?
I just wish I could have said goodbye
to Sydney before she left.
Oh, well, we could start a group text.
That way we can all be in touch.
-Really?
-Yeah.
I've never had enough friends
to be included in a group text before.
Many people consider me
to be bleak.
Go join your son.
A glass-half-empty kind of person.
Doesn't matter if you're
a glass-half-empty or a glass-half-full.
All that matters
is that the glass is refillable.
Are you going to tell me
what a fool I am for going with Roberto?
I'm the fool.
I've made a terrible mistake with Sydney.
Yes, you have.
So, what are you going to do about it?
What do you want me to do?
It's too late for me.
It's better late than never.
Go.
Hurry.
Oh, Philippe!
What's going on?
I don't have a car.
Ha-ha.
How?
Sydney.
Oh, merde.
-Bonjour, mademoiselle.
-Bonjour, Marcel.
So how was your trip to Champagne?
How do you say catastrophe?
Catastrophe?
Of course. Always sounds better in French.
What happened?
Well,
I didn't close the deal, I quit my job,
and I got my heart broken.
- Mm.
- All in one weekend.
But I did fall in love,
I found a strength I never knew I had,
and I made some friends along the way.
So I guess you could say
champagne problems.
Champagne problems?
It just means your problems
aren't really that bad.
Most people would feel lucky
to have your worries.
Hm.
Sounds like a very good trip.
Yeah, I guess it was.
Thank you for everything.
Oh, you're most welcome, mademoiselle.
- Do you need a taxi to the airport?
- Yes, please.
Oh, and I need to make
a quick stop on the way, please.
Okay.
Excuse me. Good morning.
I'm here to see one of your guests.
Sydney Price.
I will check on that.
I'm sorry, but Mademoiselle Price
already checked out this morning.
Merci.
Monsieur.
I might have an idea for you.
Sydney.
How did you know I was here?
The concierge at the hotel.
Marcel.
Of course.
You came back for the books?
Yeah, but, um I found this instead.
For your sister?
No, for me.
I'm sorry.
I acted like an idiot.
Again.
- You can jump in anytime.
- No.
You're doing just fine.
You know, I
I wish I had the words
to tell you how I feel.
But when I try to say it in English,
they fail me.
It's okay.
I better get going.
My flight leaves in a few hours.
Okay.
Sydney.
Tu me manques.
You're missing from me too.
Merry Christmas, everybody!
- Merry Christmas.
- May we expect you all for dinner tonight?
And I promise, no cheese this time.
- Maybe a little bit of cheese.
- No.
"And the children screamed and screamed,
but Krampus kept coming."
Okay, how about this one instead?
Oh, it's just getting to the good part.
Hello. Uh, your name is Skyler?
Choose a job you love,
and you'll never work a day in your life,
right, Philippe?
Technically, I'm a silent partner.
Guess that's why
Hugo keeps telling me to shut up.
Bulles!
He doesn't think
that I can keep quiet.
Like, he said that I couldn't even go
five seconds without saying something.
I can be silent. Mum's the word.
How did we do today?
Well, considering Roberto
is drinking most of our profits,
Le Petit Rve is still in the red.
But that will change as soon as we get
our Christmas numbers in the books.
Mm-hmm.
Did anyone ever tell you
that you make a very sexy COO?
-You did this morning.
-Yeah?
Mm-hmm.
But some things are worth repeating.
Merry Christmas, Sydney.
Merry Christmas, my love.
I wanna put this time in a box
And wrap it
'Cause you make these moments
I'm just afraid
he's gonna leave me on read,
even though it's his color and everything.
He's probably got ho-ho-hos
in different area codes.
- Should I text him, Philippe?
- Bonjour.
You know, Pre Nol and I
had a really good connection.
It's a seasonal thing.
Bulles!
You make these moments magic
Champagne isn't just a drink,
it's a celebration.
The night they invented champagne
Champagne rings in the new year
and makes toasts at every wedding.
Champagne means
it's time to party.
That all we'd want to do is
Fly to the sky on champagne
Even the sound of a cork popping
is enough to get people excited.
See what I mean?
So, what is it about a sparkling wine
from a tiny region in France
that makes it so special?
Legend has it that it all began
in the 17th century
with a Franciscan monk named Dom Prignon.
It was Dom Prignon's task
to make wine for his monastery,
but one day, he thought
he'd try something different.
He put yeast and sugar
into his wine to ferment,
and to Dom's amazement,
the yeast ate the sugar
and converted into
Bubbles!
The monk took one sip
of this sparkling elixir and said
Come quickly!
I am tasting the stars!
You see,
champagne has always had
a bit of magic to it.
And now TRG has a chance
to become a part of that storied tradition
by acquiring one of the most
celebrated domains in France,
Chteau Cassell.
And with over 200 brands to our name,
it's time we finally ventured
into the champagne market.
And soon, who knows?
We could all be tasting the stars.
Very good, Sydney.
You've clearly thought
this acquisition through.
Thank you, Marvin.
And that's why I'm sending you to Paris
to make your presentation directly
to Hugo Cassell.
What?
Uh Marvin?
I've handled M&A for France and the UK
for the past three years.
Oh, and what a fine job you've done, Ryan.
But we've been chasing Chteau Cassell
for years now with no luck.
But something tells me
our luck is about to change.
What do you say, Sydney? Think you can
get this wrapped up by Friday?
I'll pack my bags.
-Tasting the stars?
-Too much?
Not for Marvin, evidently.
I can't believe he's letting me
take on an acquisition.
I mean, usually, I do all the legwork,
then he passes it off to some moron.
-No offense.
-Some taken.
I championed Uptown Elle when
nobody thought it could be profitable.
Stillwater Vodka's
one of TRG's top earners.
Even when I'm batting a thousand,
Marvin keeps on moving the goalposts.
-Those sports don't go together.
-Not this time.
This is my chance to prove to Marvin
and everyone at TRG
that I'm ready to take charge.
Well, if I'm gonna lose out
on an acquisition,
I'm just glad it's to you.
Nice try.
It was a nice try, wasn't it?
Come on.
- Look, I'm just trying to help.
- Yeah, right.
What about baking cookies
and watching Die Hard together?
- It's tradition.
- I'll be back by Christmas Eve.
Okay, okay.
So, what are you gonna do first?
I'm going to work, Sky.
You should start at the Eiffel Tower.
It's a total clich, I know,
but when you see it in person,
it's like an out-of-body experience.
I don't have time for sightseeing, Sky.
This is a huge opportunity for me.
You sound like Mom.
What's wrong with that?
You know what I mean.
No, I don't.
Mom had a dream
of owning her own company one day,
and she would have if she just had
some investors who believed in her.
Remember how
she used to talk about Venice?
How she would drink Bellinis at Carnival?
Yeah.
And then it was too late.
And you and I
pinky promised each other
that when we grew up, we'd see the world.
Well, I held up my end.
I backpacked across Europe twice.
I walked the Great Wall of China.
I hiked the pyramids of Machu Picchu.
You have $18 in the bank.
Hey, that's not the point.
The point is that
you are long overdue for an adventure.
Even if it's just for one night.
So, promise me, sis
Promise me that you will take one night
off from work while you're there.
One night to just
be Sydney again.
Okay. I promise.
Pinky promise.
- Damn it.
- Pinky promise.
You are so annoying.
I love you too.
Hi, Marvin.
Uh, my flight was delayed,
but I'm on my way to the hotel now.
I made a few tweaks to my proposal.
I prepared three separate pitches,
depending on how much time
Cassell gives me in the room.
Good. It seems
we're not the only game in town.
There'll be competition
for Chteau Cassell
and for Cassell's attention.
Uh, Otto Moller from Weingut,
Brigitte Laurent from Terrebonne,
and there's a Roberto Salazar from Ibiza.
He's a bit of a wild card.
But don't worry. I'm on it.
I knew I was right
sending you to Paris.
- I won't let you down.
- Oh, I know you won't.
Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Hi. Sydney Price checking in.
Staying for only two nights?
-Yes.
-What a shame.
Christmas in Paris
is such a wonderful time of year.
Maybe next time you'll get to stay longer.
Mm-hmm.
Merci beaucoup.
Bonsoir, mademoiselle.
Hi. Can you tell me
if there's a bookstore nearby?
-Of course.
-One with an English language section?
I wanna buy a gift for my sister.
Okay.
Voil.
Uh, Les toiles?
I think they will have
what you're searching for.
-Do you need a map?
-Nope.
I've got the whole route
planned right in here.
Ah, I see you've come prepared.
Always.
Ho, ho, ho!
Ho, ho, ho!
Damn it.
Ho, ho, ho!
Yes, just a cappuccino, please.
Excuse me.
Uh
Parlez-vous anglais?
Oui.
I mean, yes.
Oh.
Uh, can you help me find the,
um, self-help section?
Self-help?
Self-development?
Self-development. Um Oh, oui.
Um, dveloppement personnel.
Yeah. Can you help me find that, please?
Uh, oui.
Uh, follow me.
Excuse me.
What does this say?
Um, "I accept the great adventure
of being me."
Simone de Beauvoir.
It's so beautiful.
Very beautiful.
Voil.
- Oh, yes, of course. Thank you.
- Yeah.
-You're welcome.
-Let's see what we have here. Um
The Ultimate Guide to Self-sabotage.
That's good.
No.
Get Out of Bed and Get Out of Debt.
That's kind of mean, but kind of true.
Oh. Growing Up at Any Age. Wow.
That's just perfect.
Wow.
Oh, you think these are for me?
No, no, no, no, no. These aren't for me.
-These are for my little sister.
-Okay.
Yeah, she's been going through
a little bit of a rough patch lately.
- Oh.
- Actually, it's a big patch.
- Hm.
- Huge, really.
Don't get me wrong. I love my sister.
And, you know,
if I'm actually completely honest,
I'm probably partly to blame
because I've been taking care of her
ever since she was really little, and
Wow, I'm rambling.
Sorry.
- No, no.
- Whew!
Jet lag.
But you're probably used to that
working here.
I don't work here.
What?
I don't work here.
But I saw you helping that woman
find a book downstairs.
Yeah, um, Les toiles is
my favorite bookstore in Paris.
I spend a lot of time here.
Clearly.
Soon, I'll open a bookstore
of my own just like it.
Except mine will have
a wine bar in the back.
-I'm just looking for the right location.
-A wine bookstore.
Yep.
I'd never leave.
Henri.
Sydney.
Enchant.
- Enchante.
- Um
Um
First time in Les toiles?
-It's my first time in Paris.
-No way.
Yeah, and I only have one night
to see the sights, so I um
I better get going.
In one night?
C'est impossible.
No, I know. That's why I've got
a whole list of things I need to see,
along with the times allocated
for each stop.
Next is the Eiffel Tower.
Why?
Why?
- Why?
- Because it's the Eiffel Tower.
And I wanna see the view from the top.
I know a better view,
and we'll have it all to ourselves.
We?
Well, I'd I'd have to take you there.
You'll never find it on your own.
Well, that is very sweet,
but I have a reservation
at Caf de Flore that I can't miss.
Caf de Flore?
Nope.
There is more authentic Parisian food
in the Christmas markets,
and for just a few euros.
Where are they?
-Not far.
-Let me guess. You can take me there.
If you insist. Yeah, why not?
I mean, you need a guide
to show you the city
and to keep you safe
from des personnes bizarres.
Des personnes bizarres?
Is that, like, strangers
who pretend to work in bookstores
and hit on helpless tourists?
You think I'm flirting with you?
Aren't you?
Absolutely.
It was nice
to meet you, Henri.
Good luck with your wine bookstore.
Wait.
I know this sounds crazy.
And I know you don't understand
a word that I'm saying.
But I just want to spend time with you.
I want to get to know you.
And if you accept my invitation
I promise to show you why this is
the most magnificent city in the world.
Okay, let's say
I do go with you.
What exactly are you gonna show me?
Christmas in Paris.
You can't leave Paris
without trying a crpe.
Merci.
For you.
Mmm.
Mmm.
-Ooh. You have to try macaron. Just one.
-No, no, no, no. This is enough.
Voil.
Mmm.
It's tradition. Hot wine.
Only one because I have a meeting
in the morning.
Mm.
So, what do you do?
Can't really talk about it.
Why? Are you a spy or something?
Are you?
-No.
-Ah.
It's just that I promised my sister
I wouldn't talk about work for one night.
And ever since we were kids,
if we pinky promised,
we have to keep our word.
Mais qu'est-ce que c'est, "pinky promise?"
Oh, it's, um
-Now you.
-Okay.
That's a pinky promise.
Wow.
You promised me a view better than that?
Whoa, it's stunning!
I haven't been on a Ferris wheel
since I was a little girl.
My mother used to take me here
every Christmas.
It was our tradition.
Just the two of us.
-Is she
-Yeah.
She died when I was six.
I'm sorry.
My mom died when I was 15.
It was just me and my sister after that.
What about your father?
He took off right after Skyler was born.
I don't remember much about him.
What about you?
Oof. I wish my father would take off.
Wow.
-Hm. That bad, huh?
-Ugh.
My father is a
What's that?
Um
A hole in the ass?
No? What?
No, I I like the way you say it.
He wants me to take over
the family business.
But I just want to chase my own dream.
So we argue all the time.
"There is a sweetness
in the laughter of the stars."
That's beautiful.
It's from my favorite book
when I was a boy.
Le Petit Prince.
Why was it your favorite?
Long story.
Well, looks like we have time.
Okay.
My mother gave me that book
when I was five.
She would read it to me every night
before I went to bed.
But then she got ill,
and soon I was all alone,
just like le petit prince.
Mm.
But I still had the book
and I could smell her perfume
on the pages.
I carried it with me wherever I went.
So much that my father
threatened to throw it in the trash.
So I hid it from him
and I hid it so many times
and in so many places
that one day I forgot where I put it.
But whenever I look up at the stars,
I think of her.
And if I close my eyes
I can still smell her perfume.
So
yeah.
That's why it's my favorite.
I think it just became my favorite too.
You were only married for two years?
I can't believe
I'm telling you this.
This is not like me.
Must be the hot wine talking.
Mmm.
What is that?
The wine enters
and the reason leaves.
-French have great sayings.
-Yeah. Stop avoiding the question.
Okay.
-He cheated on me.
-Ah.
I was devastated.
And I joke about it now.
Seems like I'm over it, but I'm not.
Why would you pretend
everything is okay?
I guess
I'm still trying to prove myself.
To my boss
and to my ex.
And to my father, who I don't even know.
I act like I'm fearless,
but on the inside, I feel like a fraud.
Like I'm not good enough.
You know what I mean?
Oh, oui.
I'm still trying to prove myself
to my father
that I can be successful on my own.
He thinks I'm going to fail.
You won't. I believe in you.
And if you need any help
with that wine bookstore, let me know
'cause, uh, saving small business
is kind of my thing.
Careful.
Your pinky promise.
Right.
Skyler was right. I needed this.
This is the best time I've had in forever.
Me too.
Sometimes, you can live a whole life
in just one day.
I had a great life today.
Me too.
No!
Sydney?
Marcel.
-Mademoiselle.
-Help.
I'm late for my meeting, and I need a taxi
to take me to this address.
Oh, a cab will take 30 minutes now.
There's construction on the Rue de Rivoli.
-Everything is backed up.
-What do I do?
You can walk this way,
through the Trocadro Gardens,
and that will get you there in 20 minutes.
Isn't there a faster way?
Oui.
-Run.
-Ugh.
Ugh.
Okay.
Bonjour. Sydney Price.
I'm here for my 12 o'clock.
-You're late.
-I know.
I am so sorry.
Follow me.
Good luck.
Merci.
Oh, thank you. Okay.
Thank you so much.
Merci beaucoup.
Hello.
Um, I'm Sydney Price.
Hi, Sydney. I'm Roberto.
Nice to meet you, Roberto.
And this is Otto Moller from Weingut
and Brigitte Laurent from Terrebonne.
Oh. I was so impressed
with your acquisition
of Chteau Drummond last year.
-The way you turned that business around--
-Let's cut the crap, shall we?
Okay.
I've known Hugo Cassell
for over 30 years.
And although we may argue
on almost everything,
there is one thing we agree on.
Champagne should stay in France.
Chteau Cassell
needs to be run more efficiently.
-Nobody is as efficient as the Germans.
-Oh.
Cassell will see that the answer
to his problems lies not in patriotism
but in genauigkeit und Przision.
I have no idea what you just said,
but it sounded terrifying.
I'm so sorry. I'm a little bit confused.
Why are we all meeting together?
Hugo thrives on competition.
You won't just be pitching to him.
You will be pitching to us too.
Great.
Bonjour. Brigitte.
Gentlemen. Miss Price.
So
who wants to start?
I'll go.
Monsieur Cassell,
let me be perfectly honest with you.
-I've never worked a day in my life.
-Hm.
My father is worth $30 billion
because he invented a microchip thingy
that goes into a what-now.
I don't get it.
But what I do know
is that every time I throw a party,
I break out the Chteau Cassell Grand Cru.
And I throw a lot of parties.
I came here today
because I love your champagne.
And I'm concerned
that if somebody buys your company,
the quality will suffer,
and so will my parties.
You want to buy Chteau Cassell to
keep the party going?
Chteau Cassell
turns my troubles into bubbles.
Sit down.
Yes, sir.
Mademoiselle Price.
I don't see how
you could possibly top that,
but
for the love of God, please try.
Two years ago, Chteau Cassel
sold six million bottles of Grand Cru.
Last year, it sold four million.
Your production dropped dramatically,
mostly due to the poor harvest,
but that didn't stop the demand.
Your champagne is wonderful,
but your production arm is antiquated.
With the backing of The Roth Group--
Excusez-moi.
Bonjour
-Sydney?
-Henri?
- What are you doing here?
- What are you doing here?
Henri is the vice president
of Chteau Cassell
and my son.
He's your son?
You know each other?
Uh
Um We met last night.
We met at Les toiles.
Of course you did.
Henri spends more time in that bookstore
than he does at the office.
The Roth Group.
Yes, I was just about to tell
Monsieur Cassell about my company.
-I know all about Marvin Roth.
-You do?
He raids small businesses
and breaks them into little pieces
to sell off to the highest bidder.
-What are you talking about?
-I'm talking about Chteau Laberge.
Ryan Garner from The Roth Group
acquired its famed Bordeaux
and then forced Pierre Laberge
out of his own company.
I don't know anything about that.
Then maybe you should do some research
before you come to steal
another French vineyard.
Henri. That's enough.
Forgive us.
Henri means well,
but he has his father's temper.
It was always my hope that he would
take over Chteau Cassell one day.
For centuries, les Cassell have passed
down this domain from father to son.
But that all stops now with Henri.
C'est la vie.
TRG can guarantee that you'll stay on
as president even after the sale.
Those are just words.
I can put it in writing.
Like you did with Chteau Laberge?
I came here today to hear your proposals
for Chteau Cassell.
I was prepared
to make a decision right here, but
that was a mistake.
I don't want you to tell me why
you are the right buyer for my vineyard.
I want you to show me.
You will be my guests
at Chteau Cassell for the weekend.
By Monday, I will make my decision.
My assistant Claudine
will prepare your travel plans.
He's the owner's son?
I mean, what are the chances?
In my world, excellent.
Still, you gotta admit, there's some sort
of crazy serendipity going on.
It's like it was fate.
There is no fate but what we make.
- You're quoting Terminator 2 again.
- God, I'm anxious.
I always quote Terminator 2
when I'm anxious.
You're getting stronger!
You're a Kelly Clarkson song!
Wait, what?
Where are you?
SoulCycle. Which reminds me,
can you Venmo me $500 when you get a sec?
I'll pay you back
when my influencer money rolls in.
Who have you ever influenced?
I'm not even sure I'm gonna have a job
next week thanks to you.
How is this my fault?
You're the one who told me to take
the day off and not talk about work.
I said take a night off.
I didn't say sleep with the owner's son.
This is a disaster.
Okay, so things are a bit messy.
But don't you see how perfect this is?
It's like the universe is forcing you
to find a balance between work and love.
And you can do it, Syd.
You're a
You're a Kelly Clarkson song!
I love you.
I love you more.
-Gotta go.
-Bye.
This is first class, right?
Just can't tell the difference.
- Yay, Sydney's here!
- Hi.
-Let's get this party started.
-It's 9 a.m.
-I know, right?
-Excuse
Mein Freund, have you never read
what alcohol does to the body?
I have, and that is why I gave up reading.
My body is a temple.
Hm. Mine's more of a bouncy castle.
Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
May I offer you wine, cheese, or coffee?
Cheese!
Oui.
Care to join me, Sydney?
Oh, I'm lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerant? In France?
Oh, you're lucky. The only thing
I'm intolerant to is exercise.
I'm in the fitness relocation program.
Yeah, I look at my clothes and I go,
"I can't fit in this, I can't fit in this,
I can't fit in this."
You haven't touched your mimosa.
- Just take it.
- Yes!
Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to Chteau Cassell.
The Cassell family
has lived here
ever since the chteau was built in 1682.
I'll just help myself to this.
Mmm.
So is this like an honor system?
Just so parched.
It's cozy in here.
Too cozy.
This is Bulles.
- Hi.
- Hey, he likes you.
Yeah. Hi, buddy.
Philippe, where's Hugo?
Monsieur Cassell
is running late, I'm afraid.
Important business.
He sends his apologies
and will join you all for dinner tonight.
Maintenant, I'll show you your rooms.
Why are you bringing up
Chteau Laberge? That was years ago.
Uh, maybe
because there's a little animosity
with how he was treated by Ryan.
The company was overvalued
when we acquired it.
We did what we had to do to turn a profit.
Marvin.
If I worry about every company that
felt like they were screwed on a deal,
I'd be out of business.
Bu-- What's gotten into you, Sydney?
You haven't been the same
since you got to Paris.
- You're a nice person, Sydney.
- Thank you.
That's not a compliment!
You gotta show me you can be ruthless.
I can. I I can be ruthless.
- You gotta be strong.
- I am.
-I'm a Kelly Clarkson song.
-What?
I don't know. Sorry.
You wanted this opportunity.
Don't make me regret it.
You won't. I promise.
Marvin?
Pack your bag.
Already packed.
Hello.
Anyone?
Hello, Bubbles!
Oh!
Bonjour, Henri.
Bonjour, Philippe.
I didn't hear you pull up.
It's because I got a new electric Peugeot.
You should give it a spin this weekend.
-Ah!
-It's fast.
Ooh, I like fast.
Yes, I know.
Your guests have arrived.
I was just showing them to their rooms.
Bon.
Where is the Grinch?
Out in the barn.
Still trying to turn
a lemon into lemonade.
I'll be right back.
Merde. Merde.
Merde. Merde. Merde!
Ready to admit defeat?
Ha! Never!
You'll see. It will be the pride
of the pernay auto show.
Oui.
You say that every year, and it dies
before it even leaves the barn.
Not this year.
The Citron will ride again.
I guarantee it!
Bon alors
How was the drive?
Easy. I entered the address,
and the car chose the best route.
Where's the fun in that?
- It's called progress.
- Ah?
Maybe you've heard of it?
Ha!
Is everyone here?
Yes, apparently.
And what's this all about?
You never host on the holidays.
How would you know?
You haven't been home
for three Christmases.
You wouldn't be home now
if not for the merger.
And Sydney Price.
What does that mean?
Nothing, nothing.
-I saw the way you looked at her.
-Oh?
Passion looks good on you.
Do you really want to end up
like Chteau Laberge?
That was a young Bordeaux
on the wrong side of the Garonne.
This is a legacy champagne
with centuries of history to its name!
Legacy means nothing to them!
Who are you to talk about legacy, huh,
when you refuse to carry on mine?
- This isn't about me!
- Well, it should be!
Merde!
Best day ever.
You know, ever since I was a little boy,
I only ever wanted
three things for Christmas.
A monkey butler, a robot butler,
and friends like the friends in Friends.
I am surrounded by imbeciles.
That is beautiful, Brigitte.
What was Christmas like for you, Otto?
Oh, a typical German Christmas.
We covered ourselves in ashes,
crouching in the shadows,
eating marzipan and knackwurst
while hiding from Krampus.
Who's Krampus?
Oh, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon
who punishes evil children
at Christmastime.
-That sounds terrifying.
-Mm.
Not as terrifying as his wife,
Frau Perchta.
She replaces the intestines
of rude children with garbage.
Some call her the mother of recycling.
Like most Germans, I learned that Krampus
wasn't real in my mid-twenties.
It was a dark day, I can tell you.
But I still love Christmas.
It's the one time I can sit by a dead tree
eating candy out of my shoes
without feeling judged.
Bonsoir.
Bonsoir.
And so it begins.
Good evening, everyone.
I hope you are all settled in
and that your rooms are to your liking.
They're beautiful, thank you.
Brigitte.
Chre Brigitte.
We've known each other for what,
30 years now?
- Thirty-two.
- Ooh.
-Thirty-two. A lifetime.
-Mm-hmm.
I always know when you've got
something on your mind. Please.
We have dedicated our lives
to this business,
unlike Americans
who can't tell the difference
between champagne and sparkling wine.
Hugo, my father worked
in the vineyards, just like yours.
You agree with me that
Chteau Cassell must remain in France
because that's where champagne belongs.
In French hands like ours.
Sorry, I missed most of that.
My French is limited.
Of course.
But I do know this
"Who doesn't advance,
goes backwards."
Yes. Very good, Sydney.
That's the spirit.
Look, in 2017 you had a warm spring
that prompted early budburst.
A severe frost in late April
caused 40% of the crop to die.
You should have had reserves
from the 2015 and 2016 harvest,
but you didn't have
the backup storage facilities
to take advantage of those banner years.
Terrebonne suffered the same fate.
And it'll happen again
if you stay stuck in the ways of the past.
The Terrebonne brand
will anchor Chteau Cassell
to one of the greatest domains
in the world.
Mr. Cassell is drowning in debt,
and you're offering him an anchor?
Mm!
- As requested, monsieur.
- Ah.
This is the first test of the weekend.
We are going to see how well you know
Chteau Cassell Grand Cru.
-I want you to close your eyes.
-But the label's already been masked.
There are variations in color
in each vintage of champagne.
I don't want you to see it with your eyes.
I want you to see it with your nose,
your tongue, even your ears.
Please, close your eyes.
Before you now is a glass
of Chteau Cassell Grand Cru.
Pick up your glass
and raise it to your nose.
Breathe in.
Tell me what you see.
Honeydew melon, yellow apple.
Mm. Sydney, what about you?
Um, grapefruit and, um
ginger.
Excellent.
Otto?
I smell nothing.
I damaged my olfactory nerves in 2016
playing a violent game
of eisstockschieen.
Ah.
Roberto?
The Mediterranean. Saint-Tropez.
Surprising. Tell me more.
It was the summer of 2012,
and I was living on my father's yacht.
I met an agoraphobic sailor named Gunther
who never left the harbor.
We had a torrid romance.
Although I begged him to stay,
I knew that one day he'd have to confront
his fear of the open water.
And that was when Gunther
set sail for Patagonia.
There, his ship crashed
onto the rocks of Cape Horn,
and he sank to the bottom of the ocean.
Roberto, I'm sorry.
Or he ghosted me.
It's so hard to tell.
Either way, I never saw Gunther again.
Anyhoo, that's what
this champagne says to me. Oh.
And it's a 1987 Chteau Cassell Grand Brut
Blanc de Noir Millsime Special Edition.
Holy shit! How do you know that?
This is what I do.
I drink champagne,
I throw parties, and I know things.
Well done.
What is this?
I wasn't sure what to serve
on your arrival,
but Brigitte had a wonderful idea.
With over a thousand varieties
in France alone,
cheese is more than food.
It's part of our culture, our history.
To get to know France,
it's to get to know and love cheese.
Everything okay, Sydney?
Yes, of course.
Philippe, be sure to give her
the Camembert first, then the Brie.
A nice chunk of Roquefort
pairs so well with the Sancerre.
Uh, followed by a wedge of Reblochon.
Don't skip on the Munster.
And lastly, finish with le Pont-l'vque.
Vive la France!
Vive la France!
What do you want?
My father asked me to check on you.
I think he's a little worried
with how quickly you left dinner.
I'm fine. I'm just a little
-Did you
-No.
It's okay.
I'm lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerant?
-Ugh. Cheese hates me.
-No.
-Oui.
-Aww.
That is the saddest thing I ever heard.
In fact, we have a saying.
"Sad as a meal without cheese."
That's me.
-One sad meal.
-Why didn't you say something?
After all that "France is cheese" stuff?
No chance.
And I wasn't gonna let Brigitte
think she got to me.
She's ruthless.
I think I just need to lay low tonight.
I'm afraid that's impossible.
Why? What are we gonna do now?
O-M-G.
- Henri?
- Come on.
Why don't you
and Sydney take the lead?
I'm terrified of horses.
Don't worry.
It's just like a big dog.
- I'm terrified of dogs.
- How are you with cats?
Roberto, please have a seat.
-You okay?
-Mm-hmm.
Let's go to
the Festival of Light!
This is the best day ever.
I had a feeling
that you would approve, Roberto.
Whoa! Yeah!
Everybody,
Christmas tree selfie!
O-M-G.
-I have to text you this.
-Nein. Photos are a waste of storage.
-Come on! You look adorable.
-Nein. Do not text me any photos, please.
Okay, I won't.
AirDropped.
Who is that?
Le Pre Nol.
- France's Santa Claus.
- More like Zaddy Claus.
I'll check you guys later.
I'm gonna try to get on the naughty list.
Brigitte, come with me.
-I think I'll go-- Thank you.
-Oh yes. Please, of course.
There's always
next year for you.
Yes, there's always next year,
Brigitte.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I have something for you.
This.
-Macarons?
-Yep.
The best in Champagne.
So I'm supposed to forgive you
for acting like a jerk
in exchange for a box of macarons?
- Okay, I'll take it back.
- No, I was just clarifying the terms.
Oh, okay.
I'm sorry.
My father makes me crazy, and
And I guess I have a lot of guilt
over not taking over Chteau Cassell.
I'm sorry too.
When I found out you weren't
who I thought you were, I got scared.
Me and trust aren't exactly
on speaking terms these days.
You can trust me.
Yeah!
To feel it all and let it ring out
And so how do I get out? Is it out
Oh, I've been hoping
Yeah, oh, oh, oh
And I've been dreaming
Yeah, oh, oh, oh
I've got a feeling
Yeah, oh, oh, oh
Right here and
If you feel it in your soul
Let it out and let it glow
Let it, let it, let it ring
Just text him.
No, it's, like, the busiest time
of the year for him, isn't it?
- So what?
- I shouldn't text him.
I'll just play hard to get.
- Hm.
- I'm exhausted.
Good night to you all.
You should all get
a good night's sleep.
Tomorrow is a big day.
- Good night, Brigitte.
- Good night.
Well, you heard him.
We should all get some sleep.
And you can't get some sleep
without a nightcap.
-Why not?
-How are you still standing?
Right?
Part of me says I shouldn't drink so much,
then the other part of me says,
"Don't listen to him. He's drunk."
-Come on, Otto.
-Oh, yeah, okay.
- Thank you for peer-pressuring me.
- Oh, no problem. It's what I do.
Am I enabling you
by just standing here and watching you?
Um Would you like to join them?
I'd love to, but I think
I should prepare for tomorrow.
Yeah.
Yeah, you're right. It will be a long day.
Good night.
Good night, Sydney.
Come in.
Hi, Sydney.
- I can't sleep.
- Oof, tell me about it.
Turns out Pre Nol has an OnlyFans page.
Okay, what's on your mind?
Henri.
Honey, you fell in love in Paris,
the most romantic city in the world.
And then a cruel twist of fate
turned you into star-crossed lovers.
It's Moulin Rouge
without the tuberculosis.
You'd be crazy
not to be feeling crazy right now.
Thanks.
I wanna be more like you.
I wanna be fearless in love.
- You think I'm fearless?
- Mm-hmm.
I stumble all the time.
You do?
I've just learned to make it
part of the dance.
You know, love is like a test
that you didn't study for.
All you can do is wing it
and hope for the best.
Hope you get graded on a curve.
- Let me see it.
- Yeah?
-Yeah.
-You sure?
-Uh-huh.
-Okay.
- Oh.
- Uh-huh.
- Gosh.
- Yeah.
Wow. Oh.
Is this a real person?
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
What's going on? Hmm?
What's going on? Hey, buddy. Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
I was just--
- Yeah, me too.
- Okay.
Shh!
- Okay. Yeah.
- Okay.
Merde!
Hi! Hi, hi!
Good morning, Champagne!
Time to get up!
We have a full day ahead of us!
Come on, everybody, wake up!
Come on, Roberto!
-Is this work?
-Yes, Roberto, this is work.
Ah, Sydney! Otto!
- Ow!
- Quite ready.
How are you ready?
You know how they say
-Sorry?
-The early bird catches a worm.
And I've got worms for days.
Yeah, sorry about that.
You too, Brigitte.
Also you, Henri.
Come on, everybody!
So most of the people think that
vineyards go quiet in the winter.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, we are even busier in the winter
than we are in the spring.
And it starts here, with the pruning.
Do it wrong, and rot and insects
will find a way into the vines.
Do it correctly,
and they will flourish for decades.
Let's get to work
and see who has what it takes.
Yeah, okay.
Each of you take a row and your tool.
Ah! I'm sorry.
This is allowed? I'm allowed to do this?
- Yes, you are.
- Wow.
- Here, you cut the same twice. Like this.
- Okay.
-Come on, Roberto.
-I think I'm done.
-No, no, no. A bit more.
-I feel like I'm freeing the vines.
At first they were afraid,
they were petrified,
and now I'm circumcising them.
You have to do all of that.
-I'm sorry?
-Yeah.
Here and here. One, two.
- Okay.
- Yeah, it's good.
I could use a champagne break
right about now.
Ooh, this is more like it.
These aren't fit to drink,
Roberto, not yet.
First, we have to remove the sediment
that has gathered in the bottles.
To do this, the bottles are rotated
one-quarter turn
throughout the winter month.
It's called riddling.
You take the first bottle,
the fourth bottle, and you turn.
Next row, next row.
And make no mistake. This is a race.
A race against time,
and for you, a race against each other.
-Yeah.
-Oh, what's that mean?
Oh, it's all about the sausage now.
Okay, that clears up nothing.
-Uh, Otto.
-Yes.
Roberto. Sydney.
- Henri, are you ready?
- Mm-hmm.
Okay, mine are dusty.
Brigitte, do you remember this?
Can we get some gloves, or
What do you think?
Ready set go!
- Was that ready, set, go?
- Yes!
You better get started.
- I'm just giving you a head start.
- Like I need it.
Oh yeah?
I need it.
- Winner!
- Winner!
-Winner!
-Winner!
-I was first. I'm pretty sure.
-I don't think so.
- Let's see the replay.
- Run the tape.
Yes. One hand is on one, and then on four,
and then just a tiny swiveling.
- Winner!
- Uh
Um
What do we have going on here?
Oh, we're having a Christmas tree
decorating contest.
Very bizarre.
Thank you. I'm going for
a Chuck E. Cheese on psilocybin feel.
And what are you going for, Otto?
- Malaise.
- Oh.
Right.
Anyone have any holiday plans?
Yeah, I'll be throwing
my annual holiday party,
followed by my New Year's Eve bash,
and then it's my Se7en-theme
secret Santa party
called "What's in the Box-ing Day?"
I will be watching Stirb Langsam
with my family, or Die Slowly.
I believe you call it Die Hard.
You watch Die Hard on Christmas too?
Yes, but in Germany,
it's considered a tragedy.
Poor Hans Gruber.
Deeply misunderstood.
I'm pretty sure Hans Gruber
was a terrorist.
Hm. To us, Hans Gruber
was more like Robin Hood,
stealing from the greedy
corporate overlords.
It was the Nakatomi Corporation
who put its employees' lives at risk
over what was mere pocket change to them.
Uh, Robin Hood gave to the poor.
We don't know what Hans had planned
with all that money.
Perhaps he's going
to open up some schools.
A-and what about John McClane?
Oh, excuse me, that trigger-happy cowboy?
John McClane was the cause
of all that chaos
with his "yippee-ki-yay, mother-fathers."
Mm, mm, mm.
Hans Gruber was a gentleman thief.
He blew up Nakatomi Plaza!
Okay, well, nobody's perfect.
- Okay.
- Otto!
Oh, yes.
Uh, it's time for my presentation.
Yes. Okay.
May I present
the greatest network distribution
the world has ever seen.
Oh, look how rapid your bottles
move through the economy
as if gravity, i.e., tariffs, don't exist.
Oh no, it's Krampus.
He's come to ruin Christmas
and stop the distribution
of Chteau Cassell across Europe.
With goat horns on his head
Not this year, Krampus.
Weingut will stop you.
No!
Weingut Imports, protecting Christmas
from Krampus into the future.
Krampus, Krampus, Krampus.
Wow, that was
And so that
that completes, uh, my presentation.
And may I invite you to view it again?
Uh, no. No, I don't think so.
I've also prepared a director's cut.
It is 68% longer and has
much more information for your brain.
First, you make sure that the champagne
is as cold as possible,
and then you angle the bottle
at 30 to 45 degrees
and look for the seam of bubbles,
and that is where you saber the bottle.
Excuse me, Roberto, but, uh,
what does this
have to do with Chteau Cassell?
You are supposed to be making
a business proposal.
Look, you and I both know that
the only businesses I'm qualified to run
are monkey and funny.
-Ah.
-But I do know how to have fun.
Well, this will never work.
Sabering a bottle of champagne
requires a saber,
hence the term.
Oh my God!
So, as you can see,
once Terrebonne acquires Chteau Cassel,
your champagne will be distributed
across a wide range of territories,
especially throughout the Asian market,
including Singapore,
South Korea, and India,
where champagne sales have significantly
increased in recent years
Hugo, are you okay?
Excuse me. Please go on.
The good news
is that Terrebonne will help you overcome
the market-entry trade barriers
that have been a challenge
for all the French leaders
Monsieur Cassell?
Beautiful, isn't it?
Looking out at those vines,
you'd think they were sleeping
but the opposite is true.
There is so much going on
beneath the surface.
Sydney, take a walk with me, will you?
Okay.
How do you like pernay?
Mm. It's the most beautiful place
I've ever seen.
I had a feeling that you would understand.
Not everyone does.
See there?
I was married on that hill.
-Nineteen years old, can you imagine?
-Wow.
Henri was born over there.
I was in the fields pruning the vines
when my Sophie's water broke.
I barely made it back to the chteau
before he arrived.
That's Henri, impulsif.
My wife was everything to me.
But then she got sick.
And when the disease
drained the life from her,
it drained the life from me too.
I should have been stronger for Henri.
But
I could barely put one foot
in front of the other.
So I did the only thing I knew.
I worked.
Mm.
In French, we don't say, "I miss you."
We say, "Tu me manques,"
which means, "You are missing from me."
That's exactly how I've felt
since Sophie died
and how I feel with Henri even now.
I'm so sorry about Sophie.
But you don't have to miss Henri.
He's still here.
Henri wants nothing to do with me.
I wouldn't be so sure about that.
I think you're missing from him too.
Bulles!
Henri and Sydney,
you take the cellars.
-Otto, help me to search the field.
-Okay.
Roberto et Brigitte, check the chteau.
- Come.
- Bulles. Bulles!
- Bulles!
- Little dog.
Bulles!
Does he do this often?
He does it all the time.
Don't worry, we'll find him.
How did your meeting with my father go?
It wasn't even really a meeting.
He just talked about you the whole time.
Let me guess. He cursed me out
for not following in his footsteps.
No, actually, he
He talked about how much
he misses your mother
and how much he misses
having you in his life.
What else did he say?
I think he should be the one to tell you.
- I can't tell which way it's coming from.
- Huh.
Maybe we should split up.
I'll meet you back at the entrance.
Okay.
Bulles!
Hi, buddy.
What are you doing here?
Hello.
We've been looking for you.
Gotcha.
There you are!
You found him?
Yeah.
Alors
Naughty boy.
I found this too.
Mon dieu.
One more time in English.
The most difficult roads lead
to the most beautiful destinations.
- The French really do have great sayings.
- Yes, we do.
What do you think
about this unusual Christmas tree?
Gorgeous.
Ah, Henri,
I want you to meet someone.
Hey, Syd.
What are you doing here?
Marvin was getting a little anxious
about your progress,
and so he sent me here for the assist.
- I don't need an assist.
- Um, I'm sorry.
Hi. Um Who are you?
Hi.
Ryan Garner, The Roth Group.
Right.
Now if you'll excuse us,
we have business to discuss.
Your mother and I used to sit
out here every night after dinner.
I remember.
May I join you?
Do you remember playing tag
in the vineyard?
Both of you laughing so hard
that you could barely breathe
You still think about those days?
I think about them all the time.
There's something I want to tell you.
Something I should have told you
a long time ago
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I couldn't be stronger for you
when you needed me.
But I want you to know
that I'm here for you now.
And I will always be here
if you just give me the chance.
I know that
I know you always wanted me
to take on Chteau Cassell, but
But I have to find my own way.
I'm sorry, Papa.
I couldn't wish more for you
than for you to follow your own path.
What's gotten into you?
Sydney Price.
Oui.
Yeah. She does that.
You did it, Syd.
Cassell's lawyers have reached out to us
to start preliminary talks.
And Marvin's in negotiations
with Takami Imports.
What are you talking about?
Hugo didn't say anything about this.
Hugo's on a need-to-know basis,
and, uh he doesn't need to know.
At least not until after the deal when
we flip Chteau Cassell to the Japanese.
TRG is gonna make a risk-free 50 million.
And it's all because of you.
What about Hugo?
I promised him
he would stay on after the sale.
Once Takami takes over,
any previous contract will be voided.
This is everything you ever wanted.
You came here to take Chteau Cassell,
and you did it.
Mission accomplished.
You're right.
I came here to close a deal,
to make Marvin proud,
and to make a lot of money for TRG.
I did everything I came to do.
And now I wanna undo it.
Let me put this into one of your muddled
sports analogies so you can understand.
It's the bottom of the ninth.
You're at the goal line.
You can either take the ball
into the end zone,
or get thrown into the penalty box
for the rest of your career.
Henri?
Hey.
This was a mistake.
What?
I told myself I was coming here
to protect my father
but I was really coming to see you.
But now I know
that you and I could never work.
What are you talking about?
I saw a side of my father tonight
that I forgot existed.
Henri.
I need to be there for my father tomorrow,
like you need to be there
for your company.
I just think it's better
to say goodbye now.
Goodbye?
Au revoir, Sydney.
Merde.
Hi.
Hey, Hugo.
-You mind if I join you?
-Please.
How's the car coming along?
- I'm ready to admit defeat.
- Mm.
I know the feeling.
You know, my mom had a '65 Fiat.
-No kidding.
-No.
Yeah, and she fixed it herself
every time it broke down,
which was constantly.
We moved around a lot.
We stayed with my aunt
and my grandmother and
a few boyfriends that never lasted.
Whenever it was time to go, she'd fix up
that old Fiat, and we'd hit the road.
Hm.
She always made everything
feel like an adventure.
We'd stay up late and watch movies
we were too young to watch.
Like, um
Terminator 2.
And Die Hard, of course.
Anything where the hero
was up against impossible odds.
And then I got older,
and it wasn't so fun anymore.
I started to resent her.
But now I see she was doing
the best she could with what she had.
In her own way,
she was the hero of her story.
Well,
I need your mother now.
Me too.
She worked so hard.
All I ever wanted was for her to succeed.
That's why I got into this.
Every time I saved a small business,
it was like I was saving her too.
It sounds silly, doesn't it?
Not so silly.
I spent years trying to save my wife,
then my vineyard.
But I can't even save this old lemon.
-You check the carburetor?
-Yeah.
W-What about the idle jets?
Come on, baby.
Yes!
Pity I missed the car show.
Better late than never, right?
Better late than never.
Sydney,
why don't you tell me
what's really on your mind?
So I'm driving alone
Crying all the way home empty-handed
Was a hell of a show
I should laugh
But the joke never landed
The wind in my hair
For a second there
I almost believed in love
It was fun
It was fun
It was fun
Hey, buddy.
While it lasted
Hey.
You stop chasing rabbits, okay?
While it lasted
It's a stone-cold shot in the darkness
Another story you've heard
Another girl walks in
- Goodbye, Philippe.
- Goodbye, mademoiselle.
When I caught your stare
For a second there
I almost believed in love
It was fun
-It was fun
-It was fun
-It was fun
-It was fun
While it lasted
While it lasted
It was fun for a while
We had so many dreams
Love is so out of style
What the hell did we think?
Oh, oh, I almost believed in love
Okay, let's say I do go with you.
What exactly are you gonna show me?
Christmas in Paris.
While it lasted
While it lasted
Good morning, everyone.
I have enjoyed getting to know
you all this weekend.
Each of you has impressed me
by your proposal
for the future of Chteau Cassell.
As you know, this is more
than a company to me. It's my life.
Shouldn't we wait for Sydney?
That won't be necessary, Otto.
- Sydney left last night.
- What do you mean she left?
-Who gets the contract?
-Did you make a deal with Sydney?
Congratulations, Sydney!
Sorry, I suffer
from premature congratulations.
That's good, Roberto. You make me laugh.
And that's why
I'm selling Chteau Cassell to you.
I'm sorry, what now?
-What?
-What?
You're selling Chteau Cassell
to this clown? What are you thinking?
Papa, are you sure about this?
Champagne isn't like any other wine.
Champagne is for fun,
and Roberto here is all about fun.
-You are making a terrible mistake.
-Well, I made them before.
In fact, I almost made one today
by signing with your company.
Then Sydney told me what you had planned.
How your boss was going to cheat me.
What a hole in the ass.
No, Hugo, be reasonable.
Roberto is a fool.
He doesn't understand France.
He doesn't understand our business.
Hugo, she's not wrong about me.
Everything I know about France
I learned from Ratatouille.
- Oh, I love that cartoon.
- Oh, it's a classic.
But I have no idea how to run a business.
Can't I just give you the money
and we can be partners?
Roberto, I need to come up
with 60 million,
or the bank will foreclose
on the property.
Oh, thank God. I thought
you were gonna say some crazy huge number.
It's funny 'cause it's true, right?
- Yeah.
- You people are insane.
You're both crazy.
You know that?
Concerned for your liver.
Happy for you.
In this business, you have to be.
I didn't see it coming.
I don't know where it's going.
- What do we do now?
- We drink.
- Woo-hoo! Nailed it!
- Sant!
We have a saying in Germany.
Which is, uh, "Everything has an end,
except for sausage, which has two."
Wow, your people have a lot of sayings
about sausage, don't they?
I just wish I could have said goodbye
to Sydney before she left.
Oh, well, we could start a group text.
That way we can all be in touch.
-Really?
-Yeah.
I've never had enough friends
to be included in a group text before.
Many people consider me
to be bleak.
Go join your son.
A glass-half-empty kind of person.
Doesn't matter if you're
a glass-half-empty or a glass-half-full.
All that matters
is that the glass is refillable.
Are you going to tell me
what a fool I am for going with Roberto?
I'm the fool.
I've made a terrible mistake with Sydney.
Yes, you have.
So, what are you going to do about it?
What do you want me to do?
It's too late for me.
It's better late than never.
Go.
Hurry.
Oh, Philippe!
What's going on?
I don't have a car.
Ha-ha.
How?
Sydney.
Oh, merde.
-Bonjour, mademoiselle.
-Bonjour, Marcel.
So how was your trip to Champagne?
How do you say catastrophe?
Catastrophe?
Of course. Always sounds better in French.
What happened?
Well,
I didn't close the deal, I quit my job,
and I got my heart broken.
- Mm.
- All in one weekend.
But I did fall in love,
I found a strength I never knew I had,
and I made some friends along the way.
So I guess you could say
champagne problems.
Champagne problems?
It just means your problems
aren't really that bad.
Most people would feel lucky
to have your worries.
Hm.
Sounds like a very good trip.
Yeah, I guess it was.
Thank you for everything.
Oh, you're most welcome, mademoiselle.
- Do you need a taxi to the airport?
- Yes, please.
Oh, and I need to make
a quick stop on the way, please.
Okay.
Excuse me. Good morning.
I'm here to see one of your guests.
Sydney Price.
I will check on that.
I'm sorry, but Mademoiselle Price
already checked out this morning.
Merci.
Monsieur.
I might have an idea for you.
Sydney.
How did you know I was here?
The concierge at the hotel.
Marcel.
Of course.
You came back for the books?
Yeah, but, um I found this instead.
For your sister?
No, for me.
I'm sorry.
I acted like an idiot.
Again.
- You can jump in anytime.
- No.
You're doing just fine.
You know, I
I wish I had the words
to tell you how I feel.
But when I try to say it in English,
they fail me.
It's okay.
I better get going.
My flight leaves in a few hours.
Okay.
Sydney.
Tu me manques.
You're missing from me too.
Merry Christmas, everybody!
- Merry Christmas.
- May we expect you all for dinner tonight?
And I promise, no cheese this time.
- Maybe a little bit of cheese.
- No.
"And the children screamed and screamed,
but Krampus kept coming."
Okay, how about this one instead?
Oh, it's just getting to the good part.
Hello. Uh, your name is Skyler?
Choose a job you love,
and you'll never work a day in your life,
right, Philippe?
Technically, I'm a silent partner.
Guess that's why
Hugo keeps telling me to shut up.
Bulles!
He doesn't think
that I can keep quiet.
Like, he said that I couldn't even go
five seconds without saying something.
I can be silent. Mum's the word.
How did we do today?
Well, considering Roberto
is drinking most of our profits,
Le Petit Rve is still in the red.
But that will change as soon as we get
our Christmas numbers in the books.
Mm-hmm.
Did anyone ever tell you
that you make a very sexy COO?
-You did this morning.
-Yeah?
Mm-hmm.
But some things are worth repeating.
Merry Christmas, Sydney.
Merry Christmas, my love.
I wanna put this time in a box
And wrap it
'Cause you make these moments
I'm just afraid
he's gonna leave me on read,
even though it's his color and everything.
He's probably got ho-ho-hos
in different area codes.
- Should I text him, Philippe?
- Bonjour.
You know, Pre Nol and I
had a really good connection.
It's a seasonal thing.
Bulles!
You make these moments magic