Blog posts of '2025' 'September'

Olá! Luís here again. 

In Portugal, we take time to enjoy the small things. Before dinner, we often gather with friends or family to share a drink and a few small bites. We call this aperitivo hour. It’s not a full meal, but it sets the tone for the evening, relaxed, social and full of good flavour.

You don’t need much to enjoy aperitivo the Portuguese way. A bottle of white port, a few simple snacks and some good company is enough. At Divino, we’ve put together a collection of items that help you create your own version of this tradition at home.

Whether you're planning a quiet evening, hosting guests or looking for gift ideas, here’s how to build the perfect Portuguese aperitivo board.

Start With a Bottle

Aperitivo begins with a drink. In Portugal, this could be sparkling wine, light white wine or something a little different like white port.

Borges White Port with Tonic

This is a sweet but fresh port, perfect served chilled over ice. You can also mix it with tonic water for a light, crisp drink with a twist of lemon peel or orange.

• Shop Borges White Port
  
  

For a bigger gathering, one bottle serves 4 to 6 people with ice and mixer. It pairs well with salty snacks, soft cheese and fruit.

Add a Few Cured Meats

Cured meats are a popular part of aperitivo in Portugal. You don’t need a full plate, just a few slices arranged simply.

Primor Salsichão de Porco Preto (Sliced)

Made from black pork, this sliced salsichão has a firm texture and rich flavour. It’s great with bread or olives and needs no cooking.

• Shop Salsichão
  
  

Quintinha Serrano Ham Sliced

Thin and salty, this ham melts in the mouth. Serve a few slices with some olive oil and cracked pepper.

• Shop Serrano Ham
  
  

Porminho Chouriço Slices

These are spicy, smoky slices made with paprika and garlic. You can serve them cold or warm them slightly in a pan.

• Shop Chouriço Slices
  
  

Three meats are enough for a group of 4 to 6 people. Keep them simple, no sauces are needed.

Bring in Some Cheese

Soft Portuguese cheeses pair very well with white port or light wines. Choose 1 or 2, cut into small wedges or served whole with a spoon.

Paiva Amanteigado Curado

This is a semi-cured cheese with a soft, buttery centre. Let it sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

• Shop Paiva Amanteigado
  
  

Castelões Cheese Semi-Hard

This cheese has a stronger flavour and a firmer texture. It balances well with fruit, cured meat and sweet drinks like white port.

• Shop Castelões Cheese
  
  

Cheese is best served with bread or crackers. A small drizzle of olive oil or some fig jam also works well.

Don’t Forget the Olives

No Portuguese table is complete without olives. They add salt, texture and colour to your board.

Maçarico Black Olives

These are soft and mild olives that are ready to serve straight from the jar.

• Shop Black Olives
  
  

Maçarico Green Olives

A little sharper in taste, these are marinated and full of flavour.

• Shop Green Olives
  
  

One jar is enough for 4 people. Serve in a small bowl with a fork or toothpicks.

Round It Off with a Sweet Bite

If you want to end your aperitivo on a sweet note, try pairing your port with fruit or a small dessert.

Pão de Ló Tradicional (Portuguese Sponge Cake)

Soft, light and slightly creamy, this cake is a classic in Portuguese homes. Cut into slices and serve with a chilled glass of port.

• Shop Pão de Ló
  
  

Fresh figs, grapes or orange segments also work well.

Presentation Tips

Aperitivo should feel informal, but a little care in how you serve it makes a difference:

• Use wooden boards or small plates for a rustic look
  
  
• Let cheeses sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving
  
  
• Use small bowls or jars for olives and condiments
  
  
• Offer cocktail sticks or forks so guests can help themselves easily
  
  
• Chill drinks ahead of time and serve with ice
  
  

You don’t need a big table or formal setup. A few well-chosen products and relaxed music set the tone.

Simple, Social and Satisfying

Portuguese aperitivo is not about speed or excess. It’s about slowing down, enjoying a drink and sharing simple food in good company. You don’t need a full menu or complicated recipes. Just good quality ingredients and time to enjoy them.

At Divino, we bring the best of Portugal to your table. Whether you’re hosting or gifting, our snacks, wines and sharing boards help you enjoy the small moments that matter.

Browse our full range of aperitivo essentials at Divino.je

Saúde!

Olá! Luís here again.

If there’s one thing Portugal does better than most, it’s seafood. From the grilled sardines of Lisbon to the octopus salads of the Algarve, our coastline has inspired centuries of dishes made for sharing. 

Whether you’re hosting a summer lunch with friends or planning a family get-together, a Portuguese seafood feast really brings people together.

At Divino, we’ve made it easy to recreate the flavours of Portugal at home with cured fish, quality olive oils and crisp white wines that complete the experience. Here’s your guide to putting together an unforgettable seafood celebration, the Portuguese way.

Build Your Feast Around the Sea

A true Portuguese seafood spread is built to share. It’s not about one big main course, it’s about variety.. You can start small or go all out depending on the occasion. Here are a few must-have categories to guide your table.

Cold Cured and Tinned Delicacies

Cured and preserved fish are part of everyday life in Portugal, served with crusty bread, olives and good wine. At Divino, we stock a carefully curated range of traditional fish products that make beautiful openers to your spread.

• Cured codfish (bacalhau): Flake into salads, mash into fishcakes or serve simply with chickpeas and olive oil

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• Canned sardines or mackerel: Serve straight from the tin with a sprinkle of lemon zest and chopped parsley

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• Octopus in olive oil: Plate cold with a few capers or warm gently and serve over thin potato slices

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Pair these with a drizzle of high-quality Portuguese olive oil and a scattering of chopped fresh herbs for instant elevation.

Fresh Grilled Favourites

Nothing says coastal celebration quite like grilling seafood outdoors. Whether it’s for a relaxed garden lunch or a team-building barbecue, grilled fish delivers both drama and deliciousness.

• King prawns: Marinate in olive oil, garlic and paprika, then grill over high heat until charred

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• Squid or cuttlefish: Tender when grilled quickly and finished with a squeeze of lemon

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• Whole sardines: A Portuguese icon, best served with new potatoes and grilled peppers

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Pro tip: Brush seafood with olive oil and season generously with sea salt before it hits the grill. Keep it simple to let the freshness shine.

Light and Vibrant Sides

Seafood loves freshness, so keep your sides light and colourful. Here are a few Portuguese-inspired ideas:

• Tomato and onion salad: Sliced ripe tomatoes, red onion and oregano with olive oil and vinegar
  
• Vinho Verde-dressed greens: Lightly steamed greens or blanched beans tossed in lemon and wine vinaigrette
  
• Couscous with lemon and herbs: A refreshing base that soaks up juices from grilled fish beautifully
  
  

Don’t forget the bread! Crusty rolls or slices of sourdough for mopping up olive oil and sauces.

Wine Pairings From the Coast

No seafood feast is complete without crisp white wine. Portugal produces some of the most food-friendly whites in Europe, especially from the Douro and Alentejo regions. We’ve picked a few favourites that pair perfectly with seafood.

Planalto Reserva White
A refined white from the Douro, Planalto brings delicate floral aromas, ripe stone fruit and a mineral finish. Its elegance balances everything from octopus to grilled prawns.

• Best with: grilled squid, bacalhau salad or lightly spiced dishes
  Shop Planalto Reserva ›

Quinta da Pacheca Moscatel Galego White
Made with the Moscatel Galego Branco grape, this Douro white is aromatic and soft with hints of wildflowers, citrus and honeyed aroma. A great match for lighter fish or cold appetisers.

• Best with: sardines, tinned mackerel and fresh salads
  Shop Quinta da Pacheca Moscatel Galego ›

Monte Mayor White
From Alentejo, this crisp and citrusy wine adds lift to richer seafood dishes. It’s perfect for casual gatherings and easy drinking all afternoon.

• Best with: fish skewers, garlic prawns or buttery sauces
  Shop Monte Mayor White ›

Serve all whites well chilled and keep a few ice buckets on hand to keep bottles picnic-ready.

Set the Scene, the Portuguese Way

Presentation plays a big role in Portuguese hospitality. Here’s how to style your seafood spread for maximum impact:

• Use wooden boards, ceramic dishes and bowls of olives to create a rustic, coastal look
  
• Scatter lemon halves, fresh parsley and edible flowers for colour and contrast
  
• Offer wine in tumblers or simple glasses, casual elegance is part of the charm
  
• Play soft Fado or upbeat Portuguese acoustic music in the background to bring the atmosphere to life
  

Whether you’re dining indoors or out, a few thoughtful touches can transform your meal into a mini holiday.

From Shore to Table, The Divino Experience

With Divino’s range of traditional seafood products, award-winning wines and quality olive oils, you can bring the soul of Portugal to your table — effortlessly.

Ready to serve up something special? Explore our full seafood and wine range online and create your own taste of the coast.

Saúde!

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