How Gina Reyes Marquardt Found Her Way to Cigar Rolling – An Interview on Heritage and Craftsmanship

The Art of Cigar Rolling in Her Blood

"All I really wanted was some peace and quiet—and stumbled straight into the world of cigars."

Gina Reyes Marquardt, 36 years old, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Germany, offers insights in this interview into her life, her family tradition, and her journey into a craft that began purely by chance—in the cool basement of a house in Frankfurt.

The Aficionado asks: So Gina… how did you actually get into cigar rolling, and where did you learn the craft?

Gina:

It all started when I was about twelve years old. We were living in Frankfurt-Oberrad in a house with a cool vaulted cellar. And to be honest: I just wanted some peace and quiet down there, read manga, and escape my responsibilities. At first, no one upstairs suspected that I was hiding down there.

Herminio Boitel worked down there—a cigar roller hired for my parents' events; you could basically book him through my parents as an event cigar roller.

He was an incredibly warm-hearted person—may God rest his soul.

One day he saw me and said, "If you're going to sit down here all day anyway… why don't you give me a hand?"

And so, step by step, I got into the craft. I prepared tobacco leaves, learned the differences between the varieties, and watched Herminio for hours on end.

When it came to aromas, I was a natural: I just recognized them instinctively. Even as a child, I had a keen sense of smell.

And then one day, Herminio said to me:

"Gina, you belong to the De los Reyes family, who have been doing this for generations in the Dominican Republic."

Back then, as a child, I wasn't aware of that at all.

Today I know: it was the first sign—it's part of my DNA.

Aficionado asks: “And if someone books you today to roll cigars for an event… what should they keep in mind?”

Gina: Honestly, it’s super straightforward—though a few things help a lot:

- Provide a table & chair so I can easily travel by train

- Power & a lamp if the venue is dark

- Winter: indoors, please

- Summer: not in direct sunlight

- A large table with a table cover looks more professional

Everything else I bring myself.

Aficionado: That sounds remarkably simple—just a few basic conditions and you handle the rest.

Aficionado asks: Gina, what typical questions or comments do you constantly hear at events while rolling cigars?

Gina: Oh, there are definitely a few classics.

Classic No. 1

"I heard that cigars are actually rolled on the thighs of virgins!"

I always have to laugh to myself. I usually reply:

"Very good marketing." or—when I'm joking around:

"For €1,000, I'll roll one on my thigh – ;-) !"

Classic No. 2

"Ah, you're from Cuba, right?"

Then I say:

"No, I'm not a Cuban cigar roller, I'm from the Dominican Republic."

And I briefly explain:

- The DR rolls more cigars than Cuba

- There, they roll in pairs (400–600/day)

- In Cuba, they roll alone (90–130/day)

- And yes: light-skinned Dominicans exist

Many are surprised—but I'm happy to clarify.

Classic No. 3

"What kind of glue do you actually use?"

This question comes up surprisingly often. My answer: "I use a glue that is standard in the tobacco industry—Bermocoll." It is flavorless, safe, and specifically formulated for tobacco leaves.

Aficionado asks: Was there an event that particularly stood out in your memory?

Gina: Yes, two actually.

1. The wedding in Chorefto, in Greece

A Latin American theme, beach, colors, music… For me, like a fairytale. And yes—my boyfriend has a problem now: our wedding has to be at least just as good. ;-D

2. The events with "The Clumsies" in Athens

One of the most famous bars in the world. Pure energy, great people, an unforgettable atmosphere.

Aficionado asks: What do you love most about your job?

Gina: I love seeing people enjoy themselves. Those faces when they smell or try a freshly rolled cigar—that's my highlight.

And what's most beautiful for me: I'm continuing a family tradition that is over a century old. That makes me proud.

Aficionado asks: And Gina… if someone wants to learn how to roll cigars themselves—what do you recommend?

Gina: Very simple:

"Book a seminar with me to learn how to roll cigars."

In Frankfurt, I teach the basics—hands-on, relaxed, and suitable for everyone.

In the end

By the end of the conversation, it becomes clear: Gina's craft is not just technique—it is deep-rooted heritage, experience, family tradition, and a whole lot of heart.

Anyone watching her work immediately recognizes the passion that has been passed down through her family for generations.

Her final words:

"Come to one of my workshops—anyone can learn the basics."

With that, this interview comes to an end,

but Gina's story lives on in every cigar crafted by her hands.