Netflix’s holiday calendar brings a sparkling new romantic comedy this season, and the bubbly energy is all thanks to Champagne Problems. The film was written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson, known for his work on romantic comedies like Love in the Villa. It stars Minka Kelly as Sydney Price – an ambitious executive hoping to secure the deal of her life by acquiring a historic French champagne brand, Château Cassell.
But the holidays have other plans. One whirlwind night in Paris introduces her to Henri Cassell… who turns out to be the founder’s son. What follows is a warmth-filled holiday romance set between Parisian lights, countryside vineyards, and Christmas magic – with just enough professional tension to keep things fizzy.
Where was Champagne Problems filmed?
Champagne Problems was filmed entirely in France, with principal photography taking place from November through late December 2024.
The production utilized locations across three regions: Marne, Ardennes, and Paris. Lead actress Minka Kelly even shared her excitement after filming wrapped, saying she “never imagined” her dream rom-com would be shot in the heart of Paris with such an incredible team.
Here’s a breakdown of every major filming spot:
Marne, France
A large portion of the movie was filmed in the scenic Marne department, located in the Grand Est region of France. The standout location is:
Château de Taissy, Taissy, France
The exterior and interior scenes featuring the Château Cassell were filmed at Château de Taissy, an abandoned 17th-century architectural gem located in the commune of Taissy. Interior and exterior scenes were shot here for weeks, turning the estate into a warm, festive winery setting.
The production also worked for several nights on the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, known worldwide as the “Capital of Champagne.” For more than a week, the filming unit primarily shot nighttime scenes in this iconic location, working from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. to capture the atmospheric evening sequences. The avenue’s traffic flow was even temporarily altered near number 79 to accommodate the cameras.
Marne’s vineyards have previously appeared in acclaimed films like Marie Antoinette, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and The Count of Monte Cristo – making it a familiar backdrop for big-screen romance.
Paris, France
Before Sydney discovers Henri’s true identity, she spends a magical night exploring the City of Lights with him. All major scenes in Paris were filmed on location – no green screens, no mock-ups.
While strolling through the city, you’ll spot iconic landmarks:
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Palais Garnier
These real locations help set up the perfect “holiday in Paris” atmosphere and mark the beginning of Sydney and Henri’s connection. A Paris Christmas Waltz and Joyeux Noel are two another great holiday movies, that were also shot on the same location.
Ardennes, France
To complete the film’s French countryside look, the crew also shot in the Ardennes department. Some scenes were filmed in Rethel, a commune on the River Aisne.
Several streets of Vouziers were also redressed as festive market lanes and small-town French neighborhoods. These quieter rural spots helped portray the secluded, vineyard-driven life of Henri’s family.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the production of Champagne Problems, there was a tight Franco-American collaboration. The cast and crew spent long nights filming under the Champagne-region winter sky, especially in Épernay, where traffic was temporarily diverted to accommodate lighting rigs and night shoots.
Actor Sean Amsing (Love, Guaranteed) even shared stories of community members visiting the set and the warm local hospitality.
Château de Taissy became the film’s centerpiece – hosting nearly a hundred crew members, lighting setups, catering teams, and festive holiday decor that brought the estate to life.
Netflix’s increasing investment in French productions (estimated between €150–200 million annually) fueled the project and contributed to a significant economic boost for the Champagne region.
It’s classic rom-com fun with a French twist.
Champagne Problems Cast
The movie features a warm, international ensemble:
- Minka Kelly as Sydney Price (The ambitious executive at the center of the story)
- Tom Wozniczka (Known for Drops of God and Slow Horses)
- Xavier Samuel (Seen in Elvis and Blonde)
- Flula Borg (A standout from The Suicide Squad)
- Sean Amsing (From Love, Guaranteed) Representing the French side of the story
- Thibault De Montalembert as Hugo Cassell, The proud head of the Cassell family
- Astrid Whettnall as Brigitte Laurent
This mix of Hollywood and French talent brings authentic energy to the holiday romance.
What is the movie about?
Ambitious businesswoman Sydney Price has an opportunity to establish herself in her field by acquiring the well-established French champagne label Château Cassell. She hops on a holiday to France intent on closing the business transaction to further her career.
Prior to her Paris business meeting, Sydney enjoys her evening in the company of a local Parisian, Henri Cassell, who charmingly assists her in discovering and enjoying Paris. The instant, electric, and charming company of her newfound companion makes her evening memorable and a delight to her.
But upon arriving at Château Cassell, Sydney learns Henri is the son of the champagne label’s founder. Sydney’s plans of acquiring the family business and her unexpected meeting with the son weakens her focus on the business transaction. Both of them begin to feel the heat of a newfound love set against the backdrop of his family’s vineyard and business.
How to Watch Champagne Problems?
Champagne Problems will stream exclusively on Netflix worldwide after its premiere on Nov 19, 2025. Its holiday-season release makes it one of Netflix’s biggest romantic comedies of the year. Once available, the movie will also join Netflix’s holiday romance collection – ideal for binge-watch weekends filled with lights, love, and lots of champagne.
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