Drew Estate has announced plans to expand its operations into the Dominican Republic with a new factory and farm project named Drew Dominicana, scheduled to open in early 2027. The development marks the first time the company will produce cigars outside of Nicaragua, where its manufacturing has historically been based.
Drew Dominicana will include a 73,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic, along with a dedicated farm in Villa González.
“Everything changes today,” commented Jonathan Drew Sann, Drew Estate founder and president. “Nicaragua will forever be our homebase – but today, with us planting our official flag in the Dominican Republic – we are on to something very big, purposeful, and powerful. We are meeting a moment of evolution, head-on, and with open arms as we embrace a new season of learning and organizational growth. The Drew Estate culture, what we proudly call our Subculture, will now include a vibrant, additional layer of Dominican influence that will shine as bright as the sun itself. I’m so proud to know that my son, JD2 is going to have Santiago, Dominican Republic as his fourth native city: New York, Estelí, Wynwood, and now Santiago. Simply magical.”
Glenn Wolfson, CEO of Drew Estate, added, “There have been so many important developments throughout my ten years as CEO of Drew Estate, but this is certainly one of the most exciting, and simply put, one of the best. Every department of Drew Estate has been working to drive this project forward, and to them I am so thankful and proud.”
The project is intended to support tobacco cultivation, cigar production, and consumer-focused experiences at the new site.
“This project represents years of work behind the scenes,” added Maarten Van der Linden, Drew Estate’s Head of Tobacco Procurement and a 30-year veteran of the premium tobacco industry. “Dominican tobacco has incredible depth and character, but only when you invest properly. We’re working with the best professionals to develop truly exceptional tobacco. You can only make truly great cigars with truly great tobacco.”
The farm will grow tobacco exclusively for Drew Estate and will be led by Manuel Peralta, a tobacco cultivator based in the Dominican Republic. Drew Estate stated that most of its production will remain at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua.
The company indicated that Deadwood Tobacco Co. Dominicana and Undercrown El Tigre Dominicano are expected to transition production to the Dominican Republic once the new facility is operational, with blends and packaging remaining unchanged.
Drew Dominicana is expected to open in early 2027, with additional details regarding production and future releases to be announced as development progresses.
The company noted that updates on construction and progress will be shared over time.