Havana, Cuba.- The celebration in this capital of the national Habanosommelier contest is today a guarantee for the international competition, scheduled for late February and early March.

This traditional event reflects the knowledge of the assistants regarding the connection of the Cuban tobacco (Habanos), food and drinks, prior to the proposals of the major luxury restaurants of the Planet.

The Habanosommelier contest is always held in February during the Habano Festival, when more than 1,000 people from some 70 countries come to this country.

A report from the international corporation Habanos S.A., stated that the Cuban contest this weekend had a winner, sommelier Mabel Duran, of the Spanish Gastropol Society.

The winner, who represented Cuba in the February international contest, was followed by Amaury Jimenez, of the Lido Hotel; Ibon de la Puente, of the Cuban Bartenders Association (ACC); and Nestor Pluma, of the Melia Habana Hotel (the team of competitors covered 29 people from all over the island).

This process is developed in several countries, especially where Habano cigars are commercialized, the famous handmade Premium cigars, considered the best of its kind in the world.

The 20th version of the Habano Festival scheduled for February in this capital will include the prestigious brands of Cuban cigars, Cohiba and Partagas, the organizers of that event informed.

Considered the most important marketing meeting related to cigars, the Habano Festival brings together every year executives and experts from the world of tobacco, and also fans known as the best Premium cigars in the world. The event is usually based at the Havana Conference Center, as well as other scenarios related to the tobacco industry.

The contest was established by Habanos S.A. in 2000 to promote the correct service and consumption of Cuban cigars through sommeliers or wine list presenters in hotels, restaurants, casinos and specialized stores.