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:
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
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
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
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
Tip: For an extra flourish, garnish with herbs or toss in a handful of toasted almonds and figs.
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
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
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
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.
Building Your Portuguese Picnic
Here’s a simple formula for picnic success:
- Choose two or three cheeses for flavour variety - mild, tangy and bold
- Add a trio of cured meats for texture and spice
- Include fresh and dried fruits - grapes, apples, figs and orange slices are all Portuguese favourites
- Don’t forget the bread - rustic rolls or sliced sourdough work best
- Pack a chilled bottle (or two) of Portuguese white wine
- 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!