Zino did it his way

Zino Davidoff’s 100th birthday celebrations were truly something special. James Leavey flew to Geneva to take part

As I sit here writing this article, I am savouring a Diademes Finas jubilee, created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the man who inspired it: Zino Davidoff.

Three of these exquisitely produced cigars, 50 ring gauge by 17.2 centimetres long and beautifully presented in an elegant wooden box were handed to me and some 400 other cigar aficionados from around the world, including personalities from politics, business and culture.

We had flown in for what would have been Zino’s 100th birthday, 11 March 2006, for a black-tie event in the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, Geneva’s former hydroelectric power station.

Just before a special concert by the Philharmonia of the Nations, Dr. Ernst Schneider, president and delegate of the board of directors of the Oettinger Davidoff Group, related some fond memories of his old friend. He had taken over Russian emigre Zino Davidoff's business in 1970 and worked closely with him for many years, making Zino Davidoff the ‘ambassadeur’ of the Davidoff brand.

Originally, the two friends and business partners had agreed to collaborate for three years but in the end Zino Davidoff perpetuated the arrangement until his death in 1994 at the age of 87.

Sonia Davidoff, Zino's daughter, now aged 73, also attended the celebration as a guest of honour. When asked which of her father's characteristics had shaped her most, she answered without hesitation, "his modesty."

The brilliant orchestral performance was followed by a superb Gala.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By James Leavey

Section : Cigar experiences

Page number : 6

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 8 on 20/05/2006.

This article is 56 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	Zino did it his way Zino Davidoff’s 100th birthday celebrations were truly something special. James Leavey flew to Geneva to take part As I sit here writing this article, I am savouring a Diademes Finas jubilee, created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the man who inspired it: Zino Davidoff. Three of these exquisitely produced cigars, 50 ring gauge by 17.2 centimetres long and beautifully presented in an elegant wooden box were handed to me and some 400 other cigar aficionados from around the world, including personalities from politics, business and culture. We had flown in for what would have been Zino’s 100th birthday, 11 March 2006, for a black-tie event in the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, Geneva’s former hydroelectric power station. Just before a special concert by the Philharmonia of the Nations, Dr. Ernst Schneider, president and delegate of the board of directors of the Oettinger Davidoff Group, related some fond memories of his old friend. He had taken over Russian emigre Zino Davidoff's business in 1970 and worked closely with him for many years, making Zino Davidoff the ‘ambassadeur’ of the Davidoff brand. Originally, the two friends and business partners had agreed to collaborate for three years but in the end Zino Davidoff perpetuated the arrangement until his death in 1994 at the age of 87. Sonia Davidoff, Zino's daughter, now aged 73, also attended the celebration as a guest of honour. When asked which of her father's characteristics had shaped her most, she answered without hesitation, "his modesty." The brilliant orchestral performance was followed by a superb Gala..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By James Leavey Section : Cigar experiences Page number : 6 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 8 on 20/05/2006. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 56 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2010. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.