Our $25,000 Bottle of Champagne!

We love a great story, particularly when it comes to food and wine, and here's a COOL one.

In 1990, Sonoma Coast Villa owner/innkeeper Johannes Zachbauer purchased a special edition of a Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne release. Only 2,000 bottles of the special 2000 vintage -- created for the coming millennium -- were produced. Johannes purchased number 0916: his wedding anniversary date (Sept. 16). Of the 2,000 bottles produced, this is the only remaining bottle currently in the United States. It has an estimated value of $25,000! Talk about FUN!

A few other facts:

~ Johannes has an official "Certificate of Ownership" (see pic at right)

~ The bottle is HUGE; it's what's called a Mathusalem, which is six liters, or 8 bottle of champagne

~ Louis Roederer is one of the largest remaining independent champagne makers. Located just south of Reims, France, Louis Roederer was tapped by Tsar Nicholas II to provide champagne to the Imperial Court of Russia. It was through these efforts that Roederer developed the clear, or "crystal" bottle and gold label the company is known for today.