Culebra was founded in 2025, the Chinese Year of the Snake, by two Swiss entrepreneurs, Nicolas Schwarz and Oliver Kneubühl. Culebra means “Snake” in Spanish. It embodies a new Swiss cigar brand for handmade cigars from the Dominican Republic in a long-established industry.
Culebra cigars are the product of our shared passion for hand-rolled cigars and commitment to excellence. Our goal is simple: Craft cigars with rich, balanced aromas that can be smoked by both newcomers and experienced aficionados.
Nicolas Schwarz, a former investment banker and snake owner, brings a unique perspective to Culebra. He believes a cigar is a piece of culture, a handcrafted expression of taste and tradition.
Oliver Kneubühl is a corporate lawyer. With his refined taste and being a connoisseur of cars, watches and fine spirits, he complements Culebra’s vision. Oliver is fascinated by the craftsmanship and artwork involved in making a good cigar.
Peter has over 30 years of experience in the tobacco industry. From 2007 until 2017, he was the CEO at Villiger Söhne AG, one of Switzerland’s most renowned tobacco companies. Peter is currently the CEO of Kopp Tobaccos GmbH in Germany. In addition, he now serves as the advisor to Culebra’s founders, acting as a strategic sparring partner and contributing his decades of expertise to Culebra’s ongoing development.
Life moves faster than ever. Real conversations, deep connections and moments of pure appreciation are becoming rare. At Culebra, we celebrate these timeless values. We invite people to slow down and appreciate the finer things in life.
Handmade cigars embody tradition, values and respect that are passed from one generation to the next. At Culebra, we connect the young and the experienced, bridging generations through the shared appreciation of the craftsmanship behind cigars.
Cigars represent more than just a product. They embody a cultural tradition that has existed for centuries across the world. At Culebra, we value this culture and welcome those who wish to discover, understand, and become part of it.
