Blog posts of '2025' 'July'

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 ›

Olá! I’m Luís Lage, owner of Divino.je, and with summer in full swing, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by heading outdoors with a picnic packed full of flavour. 

Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, setting up in a sunny park or enjoying your own garden, a Portuguese-inspired picnic is all about simple pleasures done well - fresh ingredients, bold flavours and great wine.

At Divino, we believe in making every moment special, and our selection of wines, cheeses and cured meats brings the essence of Portugal straight to your picnic basket. So grab a blanket, invite a few friends and let’s explore how to create the ultimate Portuguese-style picnic.

Summer Wines Made for the Sun

Portugal’s white wines are ideal for warm weather - they’re crisp, aromatic and beautifully balanced. Here are three of our favourite bottles, all available at Divino, that pair perfectly with picnic fare.

Monte Mayor White Wine
This vibrant white from the Alentejo region is light, fruity and effortlessly drinkable. Expect lively citrus and tropical fruit notes with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back for more.

• Perfect with: soft cheeses, salty cured meats and seafood salads
  
• Tip: Chill well before serving and pour into tumblers for an informal, picnic-ready vibe: 

Buy Monte Mayor White ›

Pacheca MGalego White Wine
Crafted in the Douro Valley from the Malvasia Fina grape, this wine offers delicate floral aromas and hints of apricot and wild herbs. It’s elegant but approachable, perfect for alfresco sipping.

• Perfect with: creamy goat’s cheese, figs, or a fresh tomato salad
  
• Tip: A great choice to enjoy later in the afternoon as the heat softens

Buy Pacheca MGalego White ›

Planalto Reserva White Wine
One of our bestsellers, this Douro white combines native grape varieties for a layered wine with notes of ripe stone fruits and mineral freshness. It’s a touch more structured, ideal for food pairings.

• Perfect with: rich cheeses, grilled vegetables or roast chicken wraps
  
• Tip: This bottle adds sophistication to any picnic and stands up well to stronger flavours

Buy Planalto Reserva White ›

Picnic-Perfect Cheeses

A great picnic always includes cheese, and Portugal’s rich dairy heritage offers plenty to enjoy outdoors. At Divino, we’ve handpicked a trio of crowd-pleasing Portuguese cheeses that bring texture, flavour and authenticity to your picnic board.

Paiva Amanteigado Curado
This semi-cured cow’s milk cheese from the Paiva region is smooth and buttery with a subtle tang. Its name – amanteigado – means ‘buttery’, and it lives up to the label with a creamy mouthfeel that’s easy to slice and share.

• Pair with: Monte Mayor White Wine to echo its delicate richness
  
• Serving tip: Slice into thick wedges and serve with dried apricots or crusty bread

Shop Paiva Amanteigado ›

Castelões Semi-Hard Cheese
A national favourite, Castelões is a semi-hard cheese with a robust yet appealing flavour. Made from cow’s milk, it has a slightly salty, savoury profile and firm texture, ideal for slicing into cubes or layering onto sandwiches.

• Pair with: Planalto Reserva White for a fresh contrast to its richness
  
• Serving tip: Cube it and serve with cherry tomatoes and smoked sausage for a picnic skewer

Shop Castelões ›

Tip: For an extra flourish, garnish with herbs or toss in a handful of toasted almonds and figs.

Shop Portuguese Cheeses ›

Charcuterie with a Kick

Portuguese cured meats bring bold flavour and tradition to any picnic table. Whether you’re snacking between sips or building open sandwiches, these ready-to-serve options are rich in taste and packed with personality.

Porminho Spicy Chouriço Rodelas
These pre-sliced rounds of traditional chouriço are seasoned with salt, paprika and a touch of spice. Smoky and satisfying, they’re ideal for layering into wraps, topping a slice of bread or simply enjoying on their own.

• Pair with: Monte Mayor White to cut through the spice with a citrus lift
  
• Serving tip: Pan-fry a few slices just before heading out for extra depth of flavour

Shop Chouriço ›

Quintinha Serrano Ham Sliced
This elegant cured ham is air-dried for depth and sliced thin for convenience. It has a silky texture and delicate saltiness that melts beautifully on the tongue - ideal for picnics where simplicity and flavour go hand in hand.

• Pair with: Pacheca MGalego White for a fresh, floral balance
  
• Serving tip: Drape over melon slices or pair with soft cheese and crusty bread

Shop Serrano Ham ›

Primor Salpicão de Porco Preto (Sliced Black Pork Sausage)
This premium cured sausage is made from black pork, prized for its marbled texture and deep, nutty flavour. Seasoned with garlic and paprika, then slow-cured, Salpicão offers a firmer bite and elegant richness that elevates any picnic board.

• Pair with: Planalto Reserva White to contrast the savoury fat with crisp minerality
  
• Serving tip: Serve at room temperature with olives or alongside semi-hard cheese for a refined snack

Shop Salpicão ›

Together, these meats offer a true taste of Portuguese heritage, each bite packed with flavour and history. Just add a chilled bottle of wine and some sunshine.

Browse Charcuterie ›

Building Your Portuguese Picnic

Here’s a simple formula for picnic success:

1. Choose two or three cheeses for flavour variety - mild, tangy and bold
   
   
2. Add a trio of cured meats for texture and spice
   
   
3. Include fresh and dried fruits - grapes, apples, figs and orange slices are all Portuguese favourites
   
   
4. Don’t forget the bread - rustic rolls or sliced sourdough work best
   
   
5. Pack a chilled bottle (or two) of Portuguese white wine
   
   
6. Toss in a few sweet treats like pastéis de nata (mini custard tarts) or chocolate for a sweet finish

Keep your picnic kit easy: a wooden board, a small knife, napkins, cleaning wipes, tumblers and a cooler bag. That’s all you need to eat well under the sun.

Saúde to the Season

A Portuguese-style picnic is about sharing good things with good people. With a little help from Divino, you can bring the vibrant flavours of Portugal to any sunny spot. Whether it’s a lazy lunch or a spontaneous evening on the beach, our wines, cheeses and charcuterie make every gathering more memorable.

So go ahead and gather your favourites, raise a glass and toast to summer Portuguese-style!

Visit Divino.je to stock up on your summer picnic essentials and bring a taste of Portugal wherever the season takes you.

Saúde!