Charlotte Cigar Week has announced a landmark collaboration with Tobacconist University (TU) — the cigar industry’s leading educational and certification platform. This strategic partnership marks the first time TU has joined forces with a cigar week or festival, setting a new precedent for how education and experience intersect in cigar culture.
Starting in 2026, Charlotte Cigar Week will officially launch its own school on Tobacconist University, offering Familia Exclusiva attendees (formerly VIPs) the opportunity to earn the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) degree.
“As someone who not only loves cigars and the culture that surrounds them, I’m passionate about creating experiences where enthusiasts can socialize and learn,” said Damon Robinson, Creator & Curator of Charlotte Cigar Week. “As a Certified Salesforce Tobacconist and Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist myself, I value what Tobacconist University brings to our culture.”
Jorge Armenteros, President of Tobacconist University, added: “I don’t know how Damon keeps getting me to agree to these things,” he joked. “But his cigar week clearly stands out as a powerful cultural event with a proactive, substantive focus on education.”
The partnership reinforces Charlotte Cigar Week’s mission of delivering Social Substance, Curated Culture, and Interactive Education, expanding beyond lifestyle and celebration to include professional development and industry knowledge.
For more information, visit @CharlotteCigarWeek on Instagram and Facebook, or email charlottecigarweek@gmail.com.