Excellent cigars and even better educational experience!
I was on vacation to Punta Cana with my family and was looking for a local place that would sell good quality reasonably priced cigars. I contacted Bert via WhatsApp and we arranged for him to pick me up from the resort where I was staying. He arrived exactly on time and we went to his little store. We sat down and tried one of his cigars that he had just brought from the storage facility. The smoke was very good but what was truly amazing was his knowledge and passion about cigars. In only a couple of hours I learned so much and developed new appreciation for cigars.
This was one of the highlights of my vacation!
Best place to have Cigars in Punta Cana. If you ask me about Dominican Cigars. I will say Handmade Dominican cigars means Vivaldi Cigars.
I have sufficient knowledge about Cigars and Bert is best in Cigar Teaching. In one word experience Vivaldi Cigar to know Native Dominican Cigars. Thank you Bert
If you smoke cigars and don't go see Bert at Vivaldi Cigars your missing out. He is one of the most genuine people I've ever met and can't wait to make it back there. They don't just sell GREAT cigars (which they are amazing), but also makes sure when you leave you know how to properly enjoy a cigar. I learned so much in the 3 hours I spent with Bert smoking and talking. Great cigars pair best with good conversation. His passion for sharing love of cigars and life experiences is apparent. I'm already preparing to buy more cigars and it's only been a few days. This is a new stable in my collection.
While on vacation in the Dominican I meet Bert of Vivaldi Cigars. I'm a novice cigar smoker, and very much enjoyed my Vivaldi. Bert was gracious enough to share his insight and smoking techniques. If you are a cigar smoker coming to Punta Cana I highly recommend looking him up!
One of the most personalized, honest, and educational experiences I've ever had. Make sure to plan enough time to sit down and enjoy a cigar with Bert. He spent 3 hours with us, explaining the growing, fermenting, manufacturing and the aging process of cigars. He spent time going through how cigar preferences differ from around the world, how to enjoy a cigar to its fullest potential and how to get the most out of your cigar (i.e. lighting, burning your cigar consistently, ashing and cleaning as well as relighting). We also talked about current events, travel and life experiences. It was like reconnecting with an old friend, even though we had met Bert for the first time.
Never in the process did we feel obligated or forced to buy anything or be sold on unnecessary add-on products. You could tell he was genuine and knowledgeable throughout the process and this was a true passion of his. He made this an unique experience.
We walked out with two boxes of high quality cigars and a new friend. We do recommended to book an appointment in advance as the showroom is in a gated residential area. In addition, if possible, bring cash.
We cannot wait to share our experience with friends and family. If you are visiting Punta Cana and want to enjoy a high quality cigar with an expert, we highly recommend visiting Bert at Vivaldi.
What an incredible experience!! It is best to email or message for an appointment. Bert picked me up at my resort and brought me to his shop in his house. I can say first hand that all of his cigars are high quality with out the high price. It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with him and enjoy one of his cigars. I learned a lot with my visit on how to truely enjoy a cigar and maintain optimal enjoyment from lighting my cigar (beginning) to end. I was impressed with his knowledge of his craft which he has passed onto me. I will never smoke a cigar the same again. I highly recommend a visit with Bert if you even remotely enjoy cigars.
Bert: thank you again for your hospitality. It was greatly appreciated
Fantastic guy, excellent cigars! We got Bert's referral at Tripadvisor and we do not regret it. As a matter of fact, our expectation were way exceeded. Bert knows everything about cigars, from cultivation of tobacco, harvest, fermentation, cigar making and, most importantly, cigar smoking. We had a wonderful afternoon at his house. He was so patient and spent a few hours with us with no rush or pushing to buy his cigars. He let it happen naturally. He took us to a cigar journey offering different types of cigars to try until we found the one which best fits our taste. It was one of the highest point during our trip to Punta Cana. If you like cigars, forget big stores, call Bert.
I had the pleasure of meeting Bert Van Kol of Vivaldi Cigars. I must say the greatest experience I ever had smoking a cigar. The selection has something for everyone, from mild to robust. If you ever get a chance to visit or order online you will not be disappointed.
Whether you smoke cigars frequently or casually, Bert at Vivaldi has so much knowledge of how to properly cut, smoke, and store a cigar. The experience is one I highly recommend for all who visit Punta Cana. Bert is a friendly guy who has traveled and seen it all. Do not worry about safety either as Bert will pick you up at your hotel and return you, no worries! I will be back Bert.
An experience not to be missed! I have smoked cigars for years and never have I smoke a cigar to equal a Vivaldi. Excellent construction, wonderful burn and incredible flavour. Bert is an expert in his field and also one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met in my life. I cannot wait until my next visit.