From Jewels to Cigars: How Valentino Siesto Is Redefining Luxury One Blend at a Time
In the realm of refined lifestyle, where tradition intertwines with sophistication, few brands exude authenticity and passion quite like Valentino Siesto Premium Cigars. Behind this prestigious name stands Mr. Valentino Siesto – a former jewelry designer and a true cigar culture enthusiast, who turned his love for this noble craft into a brand that today symbolizes exceptional handcraftsmanship, carefully selected tobacco, and uncompromising quality. In an interview for our magazine, Valentino Siesto reveals how his first encounter with cigars in the Dominican Republic led to the founding of his own factory in Tamboril, how he blends traditional production methods with a modern luxury approach, and why he sees the Balkan region as a key focus of his future development.
Mr. Siesto, you entered the world of luxury cigars as an enthusiast, and today your name stands behind a brand that symbolizes sophistication and premium quality. What inspired you to dedicate yourself to the production of luxury cigars, and what was the defining moment that sparked the creation of the Valentino Siesto brand?
My journey into luxury cigars began when I moved to the Dominican Republic around 2000. Initially not a smoker, I became captivated by the culture, rituals, and flavors surrounding cigars. The defining moment came around 2006 after visiting cigar factories in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Inspired by these experiences, I decided to create unique blends reflective of my palate and passion. This led me to establish our own factory in Tamboril in 2014, launching the Valentino Siesto Cigars brand to offer cigars distinguished by their exceptional quality and unique character.
Your collection includes prestigious blends such as Habano, Maduro, Connecticut, and many others, while Valentino Siesto cigars are renowned for their impeccable handcraftsmanship. How does the production process unfold?
Can you walk us through the selection of tobacco and the artistry of rolling that makes each cigar a unique masterpiece? Our cigars are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and aged tobaccos, often matured for at least five years, which enhances their flavors while ensuring smoothness. My master blender and I meticulously oversee every stage—from selecting exceptional aged leaves to the careful, artisanal hand-rolling process. Each blend and format is tailored individually, making each cigar a masterpiece in its own right.
Your brand stands out for its deep respect for traditional hand-rolled cigar craftsmanship, yet it also embraces a modern approach to luxury and branding. In a world increasingly driven by technology and automation, how do you strike a balance between preserving classic artisanal techniques and introducing innovation into the production process?
We remain deeply committed to traditional cigar-making techniques, emphasizing artisanal production and long-term aging processes. Simultaneously, my past as a jewelry designer greatly influences our modern approach to branding and packaging, allowing us to present traditional products innovatively.
The luxury cigar industry faces various challenges, ranging from regulatory pressures to shifting consumer habits. How do you respond to these challenges?
The luxury cigar industry faces numerous regulatory and market-driven challenges. We tackle these proactively, focusing on compliance with international standards, maintaining flexibility in production, and leveraging close distributor relationships. Our strategic management, led by CEO Gianluca Berti, ensures we remain agile and responsive, adapting quickly to changes without compromising our premium identity.
The Balkans is a region increasingly recognized for its sophisticated taste and growing cigar culture. Could you tell us more about your decision to invest specifically in this market and what role your key partners, such as CEO Gianluca Berti and Ambassador Aleks Đuretić, play in your strategy?
Our expansion strategy into the Balkans region is deliberate and culturally aware. Recognizing the growing enthusiasm for premium cigars there, we appointed Aleks Djuretic as our ambassador for the region, helping us build personal, meaningful relationships with local cigar aficionados. Additionally, our CEO Gianluca Berti is actively involved in this market expansion and is continuously visiting the Balkans alongside our valued partners, further strengthening ties and exploring new opportunities. Our goal is to integrate our premium cigars into the unique local cigar culture and exclusive establishments across the Balkans.
Valentino Siesto Cigars is approaching a decade of success. What can cigar enthusiasts and luxury aficionados expect from your brand in the coming years, and how do you envision maintaining your brand’s exclusivity and innovation in the luxury cigar market?
Looking forward, our goal is clear: to establish Valentino Siesto Cigars as a globally recognized premium brand, synonymous with quality, exclusivity, and memorable experiences. Our plans include opening additional exclusive cigar lounges, notably in the United States by 2026, and collaborating on special projects like the tribute cigar for boxing legend Roberto “Manos de Piedra Durán”. We aim to foster lasting connections within the international cigar community, sharing our passion and craftsmanship widely.