Premium cigar tobacco is a precious plant that can only be cultivated in a handful of regions in the world where the soil, climate, topography, people, skill, and tradition converge to create a very special place.  The following pages offer a glimpse at the amazing variety of specialized cigar tobaccos being grown around the globe today.  The most exciting aspect of contemporary cigar growing regions is that many of the places you will study are just beginning to realize their potential.  The last half century, and more precisely, the last decade have seen extraordinary developments and improvements in premium cigar cultivation.  Each region we will study has specific advantages, potential, and challenges associated with it.