http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html “I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I’m thirsty.” Madame Lilly Bollinger http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#0 c9c20af8-2704-4b29-88bb-ba04d1e362db http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6397.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6397.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Time to put the top down and go for a final spin in the car!</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#1 b42a0f8d-a2f9-48e8-a601-64d5c2fa0d03 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6408.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6408.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Our first champagne purchase! This house was opposite the church where Dom Perignon is buried, so we thought it must be good.</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#2 5b3f45da-0f82-4a1f-af46-c5c7c1b334f2 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6419.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6419.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">In 1668 Dom Pierre P&#xE9;rignon transferred to the Abbey of Hautvilliers near the town of &#xC9;pernay.</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#3 1d017d47-03aa-46b0-8920-c0a789905414 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6417.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6417.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"> He served as celler master of the Abbey until his death in 1715. Under his stewardship, the Abbey flourished and doubled the size of its vineyard holding. As a sign of honor and respect, the Dom was buried in a section of the Abbey traditionally reserved for only abbots.</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#4 2ea13d22-6057-42b8-b230-23677bf189fb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6422.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6422.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Flat Stanley joined us on our visit and was quite interested in these Chardonnay grapes!</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#5 efe53d89-30ab-4187-bb2c-e51983abcb19 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6423.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6423.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Flat played among the vines!</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#6 0db3082c-11f7-4079-86f4-68519845fd30 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6424.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6424.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Mitch photo</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#7 b2206a07-58c2-4829-9998-0aeb322123d6 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6426.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6426.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Above several of the homes in Hautvillers are wrought iron signs.</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#8 c2765f0b-b29a-4352-a7a5-df4bec7d0d9b http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6444.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6444.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">They were the idea of Jean Couten who was the mayor during the 1950s.</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#9 eeab4723-55cf-4fb8-87d2-d9a36bfec25f http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6430.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6430.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Each one represents a family and their trade</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#10 e6bc5718-3704-4b2b-9223-0473d329bef7 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6438.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6438.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Our favourite was this one that showed the various steps in the production (and induction!) of champagne</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#11 115508d6-7188-456c-86a7-9bfeebb2c523 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6433.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6433.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Shannon peeking out a small side street</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#12 8b79d477-aa16-4aa9-a5c7-55886a2ede01 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6434.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6434.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">I would live on this street</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#13 3573f3ed-f9df-4b0c-8533-d8d3e64f10cf http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6445.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6445.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">We stopped for lunch at a little bistro and had one of our best meals (well, they were all good)</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#14 6ff74f95-a167-4c89-8e5e-6f76f227dc85 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6446.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6446.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Just check out those desserts!</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#15 57585b4c-ffe3-4649-9e64-0da1975fdddc http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6450.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6450.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">One of our best tastings was at A.R. Lenoble</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#16 e1f1f6d0-731e-4ac7-a162-5960075b076f http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6449.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6449.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">In the private tasting room they opened four fresh bottles for us to try</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#17 e05a9d4c-0806-40ea-80ff-76a4c00f9f4b http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6452.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6452.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The only problem was you had to buy them by the case...</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#18 461c4049-859a-4f8f-8638-12b5e6b93b49 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6451.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6451.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">At this point, we were happy to oblige</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#19 de9f40e6-1678-4117-9fe1-445b181693ea http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6456.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6456.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Canard-Duchene goes back to 1835 and there is a history of opening the wines with a sabre, hence the label. </p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#20 29896a51-8a9f-4d50-9f7c-bf5c19435df7 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6457.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6457.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Despite what our otherwise excellent guide said, Vueve-Cliquot was closed!&#xA0; We were so annoyed we're switching allegiances to the little producers now...</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#21 f1a2c87c-d0b4-43c1-aff3-8645ca4ea8bb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6483.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6483.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">We did go for a tour in a big champagne house, Tattinger.</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#22 b6f226de-ace2-4c34-b9ef-a99cd4f9a7cb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6461.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6461.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The bottles are stored in a pupitre as they undergo a process known as riddling (remuage in French), in which they are rotated a small amount each day with periodic abrupt shakes, and gradually moved to a neck-down orientation so that the sediment collects in the neck</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#23 d0ed9fa7-e166-4220-ab0d-4a49beadc713 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6462.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6462.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">These bottles have been stacked 72 layers deep</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#24 07e6f08e-1ce4-47c7-b9b8-2fd244b074d7 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6480.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6480.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">There are more than 9000 bottles in this stack!</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#25 38eebd6f-2e13-405b-82cd-016822479fc8 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6478.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6478.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">These caves were dug by the Romans in the 4th century</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#26 7cf00055-5ad7-4b0f-8bef-58869eced42e http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6467.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6467.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The champagne makers like the deep chalk chambers for very different reasons: the constancy of the underground temperature (about 53 degrees Fahrenheit year-round); the sponge-like quality of the chalk, which soaks up humidity and keeps it at an equally constant 88 percent; and the absence of light and vibration.</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#27 987422e5-17ee-40be-beb7-7cc2a7c9c444 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6471.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6471.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Biggest to Tiny, Shannon knows which end she'll go with</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#28 0eab14c4-085b-4731-a36d-63b0f9214a9a http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6473.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6473.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">In the wine caves is a statue of St. John the Baptist who according to our guide is the patron sait of cellar workers</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#29 b0242a46-64d6-47d6-b1a7-e1b295e78aa2 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6494.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6494.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Shannon poses with her Tattinger purchase</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#30 03bc32db-c60e-4571-8b5d-f507869155ce http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6496.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6496.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">A wall of champagne crates</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#31 5b0c118d-ef74-4657-88b1-93ea44f8702b http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6514.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6514.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Snooty stop of the day was Ruinart. This was the first champagne house in Reims</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#32 4466d623-16b4-4553-9738-9c9ce29a9003 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6515.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6515.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">After paying 42 Euros for our tour, we had a champagne tasting from a 130 euro bottle</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#33 a5b9bb98-b694-41e1-b5a7-0401518888c6 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6518.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6518.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Mitch gave it a good sniff and we decided, nah, not worth it</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#34 23d0e12f-ca34-4e00-8015-e6093161a193 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6522.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6522.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">However, they did have some interesting art</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#35 cd67fa8f-4611-47b6-84db-1e270750360b http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6524.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6524.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">This is a representation of the champagne caves being dug in the Roman days</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#36 6922e378-9beb-40e2-a190-ea35f7dc6dac http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6529.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6529.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">After a hard day of tasting we went back to our little place to relax in the sun before dinner</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#37 68d8cf06-21f5-4fda-a61a-c259f9325204 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6527.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6527.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">This old tree has been here since the 1750s and provides yearlong comfort</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#38 7975a21d-922e-4565-8a93-92c3c5b7ddb7 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6533.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6533.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The ivy grew up the walls of the entire place</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#39 67c8be63-8858-4920-922d-3abc53375bd1 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6539.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6539.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">That night we went to dinner at Restaurant l'Assiette Champenoise - you didn't think we'd go to France and not hit a Michelin did you?</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#40 6ba3e07f-b7e2-4f76-9c0a-c9dd89f04a96 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6538.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6538.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The tasting menu was fantastique but the real prize was the dessert splurge at the end</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#41 c9e2f224-255d-4241-893d-2ae0f1f79091 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6540.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6540.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Shannon's still a simple girl and loves the cotton candy</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#42 a798c7bd-257a-4736-b04c-169b77ee8141 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6541.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6541.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Afterwards we relaxed on the terrace with coffee</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#43 116f78a7-73ab-4ac3-93ae-3fe9239df8d4 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6546.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6546.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The next morning I wasn't ready to leave</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#44 18444587-246e-4223-89b4-63af2ea24eb1 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6548.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6548.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">I hardly had room for my shoes after shopping all day</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#45 5720449f-9845-493c-9bf4-d7f0033fd16e http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6549.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6549.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Bed shot!</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#46 464da700-26cd-408d-b9d8-e5993fbcf3e9 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6550.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6550.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Let's see, a bottle, a magnum and a jeroboam</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#47 f82baf25-1963-482b-8139-a1f46866c90e http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6555.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6555.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">We lined up our loot by the barn door as we got ready to leave </p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#48 5165b8e6-4783-4370-aaf6-6498efe5117e http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6559.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6559.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">On our last morning we went to a little champagne producer recommended by two people at our B&amp;B</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#49 0da9df7c-ed6c-49c1-9622-f7fa22be25d8 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6556.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6556.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">This was the couple, they were so cute</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#50 2b96567b-a038-45be-9ed5-878afbfd3358 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6557.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6557.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">It did start to rain while we were there</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#51 9d21a214-ebce-43cd-990f-ade35edc6daa http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6564.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6564.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">He had a great bar that he had made from a pupitre</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#52 29ebd814-0b0b-4f26-ba0b-adff9dd3cd63 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6565.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6565.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">The owner was a lot of fun and wheeled our extra loot to the car for us</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#53 cd11d4ac-4057-453c-af61-c337e987f42c http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6574.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6574.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Flat enjoyed the Champagne Route</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#54 ec455429-6f69-4b34-b8c0-ae7a4346422c http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6578.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6578.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">So pretty...</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#55 59616584-8a6a-4508-9a2a-625095924d2a http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6580.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6580.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Flat was excited to drive back, we went through the Chunnel from France to England on the Eurostar</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#56 610a4a81-8193-4152-b618-0bf2d1b261ff http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6585.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6585.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Flat read all the safety instructions in case there was an emergency</p></div></div> http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend.html#57 cb605f84-64ce-4003-8c57-819d8d3192d9 http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6587.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.mitchandshannon.com/shannon+mitch/Champagne_Weekend_files/Media/CIMG6587.jpg?derivative=micro <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption">Final stop - storage to drop off the wine, if we left it all in the house a little mouse might drink it all before Mitch gets a chance.&#xA0; Good bye Saab, you've been good to us.</p></div></div>