Tony Bellatto grew up in the cigar industry. It’s a part of his nature and it’s in his blood. His family has owned retail stores for 38 years. While in college he fell in love with wine and had gown an even deeper appreciation for cigars which prompted him to leave college and to follow his passion to learn as much as possible about wine, spirits, craft beer and cigars.
He obtained his degree, with distinction, from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a stepping stone to the Master of Wine Program. Meanwhile, He was running the new Niles, Ohio location and adding very small production boutique wines and cigars to the portfolio and continues to do so today.
Craig first became passionate about cigars during his freshman year of college at The University of Dayton. Throughout the remaining three years, he continued to develop more of an interest in cigars and the cigar industry.
After college, Craig returned to his hometown of Warren, Ohio where he began hanging out at the Havana House in Niles, Ohio. It was there that he met Tony. Craig soon realized that the two shared a love for wine and cigars. A few years later, they decided to put their knowledge and passion of the industry to good use. Thus, La Barba was born.
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