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Vinho Verde: Portugal’s Ultimate Summer Wine
Vinho Verde: Portugal’s Ultimate Summer Wine

Olá! I’m Luís Lage, owner of Divino.je and as the summer sun warms our days there’s one wine that stands out as the perfect seasonal companion – Vinho Verde.

 

Light, fresh and full of life, this unique Portuguese wine is tailor made for long lunches, spontaneous garden picnics and sunset sipping with friends.

 

Often misunderstood, Vinho Verde isn’t a grape or a colour. It’s a style and a region brimming with tradition and character. Let’s explore what makes it so special and why no summer is complete without a bottle of this Portuguese classic.

 

What Is Vinho Verde?

Vinho Verde, which translates to “green wine,” refers not to the colour but to its youth and vitality. Produced in the verdant northwest of Portugal, this wine is meant to be enjoyed young and chilled. The region is known for its cool rainy climate which helps produce wines with natural acidity and a refreshing profile.

 

The wine is typically low in alcohol (usually around 9 to 11.5%), lightly effervescent and bursting with citrus, green apple and floral notes.

 

It’s the kind of wine that instantly makes you feel like you’re on holiday even if you’re just in the back garden.

 

Why It’s Perfect for Summer

Vinho Verde ticks every box when it comes to summer drinking

  • Crisp and Refreshing: Its zippy acidity and gentle fizz make it incredibly thirst quenching on warm days
  • Low Alcohol: You can enjoy a glass (or two) without feeling weighed down making it ideal for daytime gatherings
  • Food Friendly: It pairs beautifully with all sorts of picnic fare. Seafood, salads, cheeses and even spicy charcuterie
  • Budget Friendly: Great quality at excellent prices so you can stock up without breaking the bank

Whether you're firing up the BBQ or simply unwinding after work Vinho Verde is the easygoing bottle that always delivers.

 

Discover Divino’s Vinho Verde Favourites

At Divino we’ve curated a refreshing selection of Vinho Verde that highlights the very best the region has to offer. Here are four standouts to enjoy all summer long

 

Gatão Vinho Verde

A light slightly fizzy white with a lively citrus profile and subtle floral undertones. This is the classic Vinho Verde style perfect as an aperitif or with light summer snacks.

  • Try it with: marinated olives, soft cheeses or grilled prawns
  • Why we love it: Easy to drink, beautifully balanced and ideal for casual get togethers

Shop Gatão ›

Aveleda Vinho Verde 2019

Produced by one of the region’s most respected names this bottle offers fresh aromas of green apple, pear and citrus with a smooth mineral finish. It’s a little more refined, perfect for dinner on the patio.

  • Try it with: fresh seafood, chicken or vegetable curry or creamy goat’s cheese
  • Why we love it: Elegant, versatile and a real crowd pleaser

Shop Aveleda ›

Casal Garcia Vinho Verde 2019

Perhaps the most famous name in Vinho Verde, Casal Garcia delivers gentle spritz, a fruity freshness and just a hint of sweetness. It’s approachable, lively and great chilled right down.

  • Try it with: picnic sandwiches, salty snacks or a sushi platter
  • Why we love it: Universally loved and great to try for as your first taste of  Vinho Verde

Shop Casal Garcia ›


Muralhas de Monção Vinho Verde

From the sub region of Monção e Melgaço this is a more structured and fuller bodied Vinho Verde. It’s still fresh, but with riper fruit and floral notes.

  • Try it with: Cozido meats, grilled salmon or tuna, sautéed vegetables
  • Why we love it: A step up in complexity for those who love flavour and finesse

Shop Muralhas de Monção ›

Serve It Right

To get the most out of your Vinho Verde serve it well chilled – ideally between 6 and 8°C. A cooler bag and a few ice packs will keep it picnic ready all afternoon.

 

If you're entertaining consider including a bottle in a summer themed hamper alongside some cured meats, cheese and sweet treats. Our Summer wine case has a great selection of Vinho Verdes and Sangrias.

 

Just add some Jersey sunshine!

 

Make It a Summer Staple

Vinho Verde is more than just a seasonal trend. It’s a way to bring a little Portuguese charm into your summertime. 

 

Whether you’re sharing glasses at the beach or toasting with neighbours in the garden it’s a wine that invites connection, relaxation and celebration.

 

At Divino.je we’re proud to share this regional gem with customers who appreciate flavour, tradition and value. 

 

Explore our Vinho Verde selection online and let your summer sipping take on a fresh new sparkle.

 

Saúde to the season!

Shop All Vinho Verde ›

From Douro to Alentejo: A Beginner’s Guide to Portuguese Wine Regions
From Douro to Alentejo: A Beginner’s Guide to Portuguese Wine Regions

Olá! I’m Luís Lage, owner of Divino.je. If you're curious about Portuguese wines but aren’t quite sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Portugal is home to a wide variety of wine regions, each with its own unique terroir, grape varieties and winemaking traditions. From the steep terraces of the Douro Valley to the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo, there's a world of flavour to discover.

 

At Divino, we’re proud to bring the richness of Portuguese winemaking to your doorstep. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to five key wine regions and showcase their standout wines, all of which are available at Divino.je, along with tips on how best to enjoy them.

 

Douro: The Birthplace of Port and So Much More

 

Featured Wine: Pacheca Colheita Red

The Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, and arguably the most iconic in Portugal. Known globally for its Port wines, the Douro has also become a powerhouse for robust, characterful reds.

 

Why it’s special:
Touriga Nacional is a native grape of the region and known for its deep colour and intense aroma. The Pacheca Colheita Red features this grape, and delivers bold black fruit and floral notes followed by a hint of chocolate. This vibrant, complex structure speaks of the region’s steep, mineral-rich slopes.

 

Pair it with:

  • Grilled red meats
  • Game dishes
  • Rich stews

How to serve:
Decant for 30 minutes before serving at 16–18°C to let the flavours open up.

 

Dão: Elegance and Age-Worthiness in Every Bottle

 

Featured Wine: Cabriz Dão Red

Nestled in the mountains of central Portugal, Dão is known for producing elegant, refined wines that age well. The granite soil and cooler climate contribute to wines that are complex but never overpowering.

 

Why it’s special:
Cabriz Dão Red
combines finesse with structure. You’ll find notes of red cherry, wild berries and spice, balanced with silky tannins and a smooth finish. The classic Dão character.

 

Pair it with:

  • Fresh fish dishes
  • Mushroom risotto
  • Soft cheeses

How to serve:
Serve slightly cooler than most reds at around 16°C to highlight its elegance.

 

Vinho Verde: Crisp, Light and Perfect for Summer

 

Featured Wine: Aveleda Vinho Verde

In Portugal’s northwest corner lies the verdant region of Vinho Verde, famous for its fresh, slightly effervescent white wines. These wines are youthful, zippy and perfect for warm weather sipping.

 

Why it’s special:
Aveleda Vinho Verde
bursts with citrus, green apple and floral aromas. It’s light, refreshing and has a gentle spritz that makes it incredibly drinkable.

 

Pair it with:

  • Grilled white fish
  • Chicken or vegetable curry
  • Fresh salads

How to serve:
Serve well chilled at 6–8°C. A perfect aperitif or companion to a seafood lunch.

 

Lisboa: Coastal Charm Meets Bold Flavour

 

Featured Wine: Passos de Lisboa Red

 

Lisboa, stretching along Portugal’s west coast, benefits from Atlantic breezes and a patchwork of microclimates, producing wines that are both rich and fresh. Known for its variety, the region is home to some of Portugal’s most exciting red blends.

 

Why it’s special:
Passos de Lisboa Red
is a smooth wine made from grapes like Alicante Bouschet and Tinta Roriz, blended with a hint of Syrah for added depth. Expect notes of dark chocolate, warm spice and soft tannins, balanced by a subtle freshness and fine acidity.

 

Pair it with:

  • Grilled pork
  • Charred vegetable skewers
  • A slice of spicy chorizo pizza

How to serve:
Serve at 16–18°C, ideally after a brief decant. A versatile, crowd-pleasing red that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed get-togethers.

 

Alentejo: Warm Sun, Bold Reds and Easy-Drinking Whites

 

Featured Wine: Esporão Reserva Red

 

Alentejo is a vast region in the south of Portugal with rolling landscapes and plenty of sunshine – perfect for producing rich, full-bodied wines. Alentejo wines are often smooth and approachable, making them a favourite for everyday drinking.

 

Why it’s special:
Esporão Reserva
is a flagship red that blends native grapes like Aragonez and Trincadeira. Aged in oak, it has a plush palate of dark fruit, spice and a whisper of coffee and cigar!

 

Pair it with:

  • Roast lamb or beef
  • Hard cheeses
  • Grilled mushrooms

How to serve:
Serve at 18°C. Great for Sunday lunch or a cosy evening in.

 

Discover Portugal, One Glass at a Time

 

Portuguese wines are as diverse as the landscapes they come from. Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites or indulgent dessert wines, there’s something here to fall in love with. At Divino.je, we handpick wines that reflect the character and soul of each region, making it easy for you to explore Portugal from the comfort of your home.

 

Visit Divino.je to browse our full range. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, looking for a thoughtful gift or simply stocking up for the weekend, we’re here to help you find the perfect Portuguese bottle.

 

Saúde!

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