Olá! Luis here again. At Christmas, the table is full. Not just with food, but with people, conversation and moments we remember. Choosing the right wine for your meal helps bring everything together.
In Portugal, wine is not just for special occasions. It is part of everyday meals. But during the festive season, we give more thought to what we serve. Certain wines go better with certain dishes. If you are cooking turkey, beef, fish or one of our more traditional dishes like suckling pig, there is a Portuguese wine that can match the flavour and add something extra to the experience.
At Divino, we’ve selected a few wines that work well with Christmas menus. Whether you're welcoming guests, serving a full roast or looking for a bottle to enjoy with dessert, this guide will help you choose.
A Wine to Welcome Guests
Start with something light and refreshing. When guests arrive, it’s nice to offer a glass of wine that is easy to drink and suits many tastes. This helps set the tone before the meal.
Go for a Planalto Reserva White
- Crisp and balanced
- Good with canapés, olives, cheeses or just on its own!
- Serve well chilled
A Wine for Turkey
Roast turkey is traditional in many homes. It is a mild meat, so the wine should not overpower it. Look for a medium-bodied red or a full white with some structure.
Go for a Esporão Reserva Red
- Smooth and round
- Works well with roast turkey, stuffing, and root vegetables
- A good choice if you have many guests and different dishes on the table
If you prefer white wine with turkey, Monte Mayor White is another option with its clean, fruity and fresh taste.
A Wine for Beef
Roast beef or steak needs something stronger. You want a wine that can hold its own with richer, darker flavours.
Go for a Reserva do Comendador Red
- Bold and full-bodied
- Good with beef, roast potatoes and gravy
- Serve slightly below room temperature for best flavour
This is also a good wine to have open after the meal for those who prefer red.
Shop red wines ›
A Wine for Fish
If you’re serving cod, sea bass, or another white fish, go for a crisp white. Fish dishes often have lemon or herbs, so the wine should be clean and fresh to match.
Go for a Pacheca Moscatel Galego White
- Light, with citrus and floral notes
- Pairs well with fish, seafood rice, or vegetable dishes
This is a nice wine to have on the table if you are serving different mains such as poultry, fish, beef or a nut roast.
Shop white wines ›
A Wine for Suckling Pig
Suckling pig (leitão) is a classic Portuguese dish, especially at Christmas. It is rich and fatty with crispy skin. The wine should have good acidity to cut through the fat.
Go for a Q. Ortigão Sparkling Baga Brut
- Fresh, dry, and slightly fizzy
- Traditional pairing for suckling pig in Portugal
- Serve very cold
If you prefer red, try Alianca Red Wine Sparkling which has a deep colour and soft, light acidity.
Shop Sparkling wines ›
A Wine for Dessert
After the main meal, many people want something sweet. Whether it’s sponge cake, chocolate, or cheese, Portuguese dessert wines are a good way to finish.
Go for Borges Tawny Port
- Rich and smooth
- Works with nuts, fruitcake, or simply on its own
Also consider White Port as an alternative — served chilled with cheese or custard tarts.
Shop Ports ›
A Simple Christmas Wine Plan
If you are planning your shop, here’s a simple wine plan that covers all the bases:
- Starter or welcome drink: Planalto Reserva White
- Main course – turkey or mixed meats: Esporão Reserva Red
- Main course – beef: Reserva do Comendador Red
- Main course – fish: Pacheca Moscatel Galego White
- Main course – suckling pig: Q. Ortigão Sparkling Baga Brut
- Dessert: Borges Tawny Port
This selection gives you enough variety to suit any guest or dish.
Wine for Gifting
Wine also makes a thoughtful gift. A bottle of red with a wedge of cheese or a port with some chocolate is simple and always appreciated. You can build your own hamper or browse our Christmas range for ready-made ideas.
Make Wine Part of the Celebration
Choosing the right wine doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few bottles, you can create a festive table that feels special and relaxed. At Divino, we bring together wines from across Portugal that suit all tastes and budgets.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or keeping it small this year, we’re here to help you find the right wine for your Christmas table.
Browse our full wine collection at Divino.je
Feliz Natal and Saúde!