Olá! Luis here for the final time this year. As we come to the end of 2025, many of us start to plan a night of celebration. Whether you're staying in with family, gathering with friends or hosting something bigger, New Year’s Eve is a time to enjoy good wine, small plates of food and a moment to raise a glass together.
In Portugal, we like to keep New Year simple but joyful. We welcome the year ahead with sparkling wine, cured meats, cheese and a few olives on the table. It’s not about cooking a big meal, it’s about gathering people, opening a good bottle and sharing a few things that taste great together.
At Divino, we have everything you need for a Portuguese-style New Year’s Eve. From sparkling wines to cured meats and soft cheeses, here’s how to plan your NYE.
Start with Sparkling from Bairrada
In Portugal, we toast the New Year with sparkling wine. One of the most famous regions for this is Bairrada, where wines are fresh, dry and made in the traditional method. These wines are great with food, but also perfect for that midnight toast.
The go-to: Alianca Baga Reserva Brut
- Crisp and dry with lively bubbles
- Made with the local Baga grape
- Great with cured meats, cheeses or salted snacks
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Something a bit different: Alianca Sparkling Red Wine
- Deep red with fine bubbles
- Pairs well with chouriço, smoked meats or stronger cheeses
- A bold alternative to traditional white or rosé fizz
Shop Alianca Red Wine Sparkling ›
Serving tip: Chill both wines well before serving. The red sparkling can be poured into wide glasses for extra aroma and works nicely as a conversation starter.
Build a Simple Sharing Plate
Portuguese-style celebrations are about variety. You don’t need to make a full meal, just build a board or small table of things that work well together. Here’s how to do it:
Cured Meats
Cured meats bring salt, smoke and spice to the table. Slice and serve at room temperature.
Primor Salpicão de Porco Preto (Sliced)
- Made from black pork
- Rich flavour and firm texture
- Serve with mustard or crusty bread
Quintinha Serrano Ham Sliced
- Thin, salty and soft
- A classic on any Portuguese board
- No prep needed, just plate and serve
Porminho Chouriço Slices
- Smoky with paprika and garlic
- Can be served cold or gently warmed
- Pairs nicely with red wine or rosé
Cheeses
You don’t need too many cheeses. Just 2 or 3 with different textures.
- Semi-soft with a creamy centre
- Serve with a spoon onto thin crackers
- Firmer and slightly tangy
- Easy to slice and serve with olives or ham
- Rich, slightly nutty with a clean finish
- Pair with Red wine, cured meats or fig jam
Shop all cheese ›
Cheese Board Tip: Take cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. Add some grapes or fig jam if you like something sweet.
Olives and Extras
A few jars of olives and nibbles complete the spread.
- Soft and mild
- Perfect with cheese and white wine
Maçarico Green Olives with Garlic & Herbs
- More flavour and a nice contrast to richer meats
Other extras: roasted almonds, salted crisps, thinly sliced bread, fig jam or a pot of honey.
Don’t Forget Dessert
After the toast, many people like something sweet. You can keep it simple.
- Pão de Ló Tradicional: A soft sponge cake, very traditional at New Year
- Serve with Borges Tawny Port or a small glass of White Port for a nice finish
Celebrate the Portuguese Way
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be complicated. A few good wines, a small table of food and people you enjoy. Add a few candles, some music and glasses ready for the countdown.
At Divino, we’re here to help you celebrate with ease. Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it small, our wines, cured meats and cheeses bring the flavour of Portugal to your home.
Browse our full range at Divino.je
Feliz Ano Novo and Saúde!