The popularity of Portuguese wines in the United States has been steadily growing, thanks in large part to passionate advocates like Chris Saraiva. As the co-founder of Brands of Portugal, an East Providence-based wine import company, Chris is dedicated to bringing authentic, small-batch Portuguese wines to American tables. His love for Portuguese culture, combined with his business acumen, has established Brands of Portugal as a premier East Coast importer of wines and spirits from Portugal. Now, as the Regional and Category Ambassador for Portugal for the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025, Chris is poised to elevate Portuguese wines on a national stage, providing valuable insights and opportunities for Portuguese wineries seeking success in the U.S. market.

Born into a family with deep roots in the Portuguese food and wine industry, Chris was introduced to the world of Portuguese wine from an early age. His career began with diverse experiences in real estate, customer service, and event management, but it was his deep connection to Portugal's winemaking heritage that ultimately shaped his path. Alongside his wife, Nelly, Chris launched Brands of Portugal in 2021 with a vision to bring the rich culture and history of Portugal to American wine enthusiasts.

Based in East Providence, Rhode Island, Brands of Portugal focuses exclusively on importing wines and spirits from Portugal, many of which come from small, family-owned wineries that prioritize traditional, sustainable practices. “We wanted to take people on a journey and let them experience all that is Portugal,” Chris explains. His portfolio includes wines from lesser-known regions like the Tejo and Azores, as well as celebrated areas such as Douro and Alentejo, all of which reflect the diverse terroirs of Portugal.

Image Courtesy: Instagram 

Chris’s company, Brands of Portugal, has quickly become a trusted source for Portuguese wines in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Tennessee, with plans to expand into Maine and New Hampshire. With a focus on quality over quantity, Brands of Portugal hand-picks wines that tell the unique stories of their regions and producers. Many of the wines they import are organic, foot-trodden, or made with sustainable practices—a quality that resonates with today’s consumers.

Chris and Nelly’s dedication to connecting Americans with the heritage of Portugal extends beyond the wines themselves. Each bottle in its portfolio reflects the history and passion of its producer. For instance, their exclusive “West India Madeira” label from Justino’s Madeira Wines tells the story of resilience and tradition, qualities deeply woven into Portugal’s wine legacy. “Each bottle is a connection to Portugal and its history,” says Chris, emphasizing that their work is about much more than just wine—it’s about preserving culture and creating memorable experiences.

As the newly appointed Regional and Category Ambassador for Portugal for the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025, Chris is well-positioned to further promote Portuguese wines across the U.S. The Sommeliers Choice Awards, organized by the Beverage Trade Network, is one of the most respected wine competitions in the country, specifically tailored to highlight wines that excel in the on-premise market, such as restaurant wine lists and by-the-glass programs. Wines are evaluated on five key criteria: food pairability, typicity, quality, value, and packaging, with the ultimate goal of identifying wines that both sommeliers and consumers will love.

In his ambassador role, Chris will bring his extensive knowledge of Portuguese wines to the judging panel, offering a unique perspective on wines from his homeland. Portuguese wineries entering the competition will benefit from Chris’s expertise and his understanding of what makes a wine resonate with U.S. buyers and consumers. As an added advantage, the top winner from the Portuguese category will receive a video testimonial from Chris, showcasing their achievement to the Sommeliers Choice Awards audience. The top five winners will also be featured in a tasting video led by Chris, promoting their wines to sommeliers, restaurant buyers, and wine enthusiasts.

Chris’s role as an ambassador goes beyond judging. He’s also committed to educating U.S. consumers and trade professionals about the unique characteristics of Portuguese wines. His webinar, "Meet Leading Portugal Winemakers and How to Sell Portuguese Wines," was designed to provide invaluable insights for those looking to bring Portuguese wines into the U.S. market. The webinar has served as a platform for Chris to share his expertise on the region’s wines and offer guidance on how to navigate the competitive landscape of the American wine industry.

Through initiatives like this webinar, as well as tastings and educational events hosted by Brands of Portugal, Chris is helping build a bridge between Portugal’s wine culture and the American market. His efforts are aimed at fostering an appreciation for Portugal’s diverse wine regions, from the vibrant whites of Vinho Verde to the fortified wines of Madeira.

Delfio, wine in a can from Brands of Portugal, is poured into a glass. Image Courtesy: Brands of Portugal

For Portuguese wineries looking to enter the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025, having an ambassador like Chris Saraiva is a tremendous asset. His role as a trusted advocate for Portuguese wines will not only help wineries gain visibility in the U.S. but also provide them with valuable insights on meeting the preferences of American sommeliers and consumers.

With Chris on the judging panel, Portuguese wineries have a direct line to a respected importer who understands the nuances of Portuguese wines and their market potential in the U.S. His experience with Brands of Portugal has given him a unique perspective on what makes a wine truly stand out on restaurant wine lists and in by-the-glass programs, making him an ideal judge to assess wines for the on-premise market.

Additionally, the top-performing Portuguese wines will receive enhanced exposure through video testimonials and tasting showcases, curated and promoted by Chris. This visibility can be a game-changer for smaller, family-owned wineries seeking to break into the U.S. market.

Chris Saraiva explains the many varieties of wine he imports from Portugal. Image Courtesy: Brands of Portugal

Beyond his ambassador duties, Chris’s work with Brands of Portugal is about building a community centered around Portuguese wines. He and Nelly have taken steps to ensure their business is more than just a distribution company; they see it as a hub for Portuguese culture in the U.S. Through events, tastings, and wine dinners, they bring people together to explore the stories behind each wine and the heritage of the families who make them.

Their vision for Brands of Portugal is ambitious yet grounded in a genuine love for Portugal and its wines. “There’s so much to grow,” Chris says. “In order for Portuguese wines to thrive in this country, it has to be a collective effort.” With Brands of Portugal, he is not only selling wines but also connecting American consumers to the culture, history, and craftsmanship of Portugal.

Judges at Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024 Chicago 

For Portuguese wineries, the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 offers a unique opportunity to showcase their wines to U.S. buyers and sommeliers, with expert support from Chris Saraiva. The competition’s focus on quality, value, and packaging is an ideal platform for Portuguese wines to shine in the American on-premise market.

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With the Early Bird deadline ending on January 31st, 2025, now is the perfect time for Portuguese producers to submit their wines, gain visibility, and benefit from Sandra’s expertise and advocacy.

For more details and to submit your entry, visit the Sommeliers Choice Awards website.

Header Image: Chris Saraiva and Nelly Saraiva, founders of Brands of Portugal

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