A Legacy of Three Centuries.
A Taste of Africa.
Welcome to Francois Cigar Collection, where tradition, craftsmanship, and African spirit come together in three exquisite lines of premium cigars. With over 300 years of heritage, the Retief family has carried their legacy from the vineyards of France to the fertile lands of Africa, cultivating a deep connection to the soil and the art of tobacco production.
The Pioneering Spirit
The story begins in 1688, when Francois Retief, a French Huguenot, arrived at the Cape of Good Hope. Granted a farm by the governor, he and his descendants laid down roots that would span generations. The family later moved to Welvanpas near Wellington, a farm established in 1704, where their legacy continues to this day.
Over the centuries, the Retief family’s pioneering spirit flourished, eventually leading to a new chapter in Zimbabwe, where the family ventured into the rich tobacco fields of the Burma Valley. Today, the Francois Cigar Collection celebrates this enduring connection to the African land, honoring both heritage and craftsmanship.
The Francois Retief cigar range is produced in recognition of the tenacity and pioneering spirit of the Retief families for over three centuries in Africa.
Painted Wolf Cigar
African Heritage
Named after the endangered African Painted Wolf, this premium cigar showcases a rare blend of tobacco from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Zimbabwe. Medium to full-bodied, the Painted Wolf Cigar offers a rich, complex flavor profile that embodies the wild beauty of Africa. A tribute to resilience and craftsmanship.
Ridgeback Cigar
African Heritage
Inspired by the legendary Rhodesian Ridgeback, known for its strength and courage, the Ridgeback Cigar is a tribute to the rugged beauty of Africa. Grown in the misty Burma Valley of Zimbabwe, these cigars offer a robust, earthy flavor that reflects the region’s unique climate and rich soil. Experience the bold spirit of Africa with every puff.
Nyaminyami Cigar
African Heritage
Named after the powerful Zambezi River God, the Nyaminyami Cigar embodies the mystique and strength of one of Africa’s most enduring legends. Crafted with a Brazil Aripiraca wrapper, Dominican Pilot Cubano binder, and a refined blend of Dominican and Zimbabwean fillers, this medium-bodied cigar delivers a smooth, resonant flavour experience. A tribute to the river’s spirit, its myths, and the deep cultural heritage that flows through the heart of Africa.
