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Portugal’s wine industry is flourishing, and its diverse offerings have captured the attention of wine enthusiasts around the globe. From the Vinho Verde region to the prestigious Douro Valley, Portuguese wines offer a sense of authenticity and tradition that is both exciting and flavorful. As demand for these wines grows in the US, various importers are playing a crucial role in connecting American consumers with Portugal’s finest. In this article, we spotlight the top Portuguese wine importers in the USA who are instrumental in this cultural exchange.
Sandra Gomes Rocha, CEO and Co-founder of Diniz Cellars, hails from a family deeply rooted in Portuguese farming and business traditions. Inspired by her heritage and with a vision for the future, she launched Diniz Cellars, Los Angeles’ premier importer and distributor of Portuguese wines. Specializing in high-quality, handcrafted wines from Portugal's renowned regions, they offer a curated selection that showcases the country's 250 native varietals and unique terroirs. Committed to sustainability and quality, the company brings authentic Portuguese flavors to American consumers. Sandra oversees every facet of the company, from sales and marketing to operations, while also serving as a leading educator on Portuguese wines in Southern California. Her profound expertise in the field has earned her a place on the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 judging panel.
Image Credits: Diniz Cellars
Brands of Portugal serves as a gateway to Portugal’s rich cultural and winemaking heritage. By partnering with distinctive producers, they ensure that each wine in their portfolio tells a captivating story of Portugal’s traditions, people, and landscapes. Their mission is to connect American consumers with the essence of Portuguese winemaking, offering curated tours and educational resources to deepen appreciation for the country’s wines. Co-founder Chris Saraiva is passionate about promoting small, family-owned wineries, with each bottle in his carefully selected portfolio reflecting the authenticity and soul of its makers. His dedication to terroir-driven wines has also earned him a seat on the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 judging panel.
Image Credits: Brands of Portugal
Nossa Imports, founded by sommelier duo Dale and Stephen Ott, is committed to making Portuguese wines more accessible to American consumers. Based in Tucson, this company brings wines from Portugal’s most historically significant wine regions to the U.S. With over 30 years of experience in the alcohol industry, Nossa Imports not only sources premium wines but also fosters a sense of community around them. Their mission is to inspire conversations and connections through these exceptional wines.
Image Credits: Nossa Imports
Cultivamos focuses on showcasing the best of Portugal’s natural bounty, connecting wine professionals and culinary leaders to the country’s rich heritage. With a particular emphasis on sustainability, Cultivamos represents wines from Alentejo, Vinho Verde, and Douro regions, bringing the authentic flavors and stories of Portugal to American audiences. Their deep commitment to environmental stewardship and high-quality wine production makes them a standout importer in the industry.
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Founded in 1985, Saraiva Enterprises is a Massachusetts-based importer specializing in Portuguese wines and spirits. The company imports some of Portugal’s most renowned brands, including Porto, Madeira, and Moscatel de Setúbal. Known for building close relationships with their customers, Saraiva Enterprises is a trusted source for Portuguese wines in the U.S. market. Their portfolio is marked by quality and tradition, offering a broad selection of Portugal’s finest products.
Image Credits: Saraiva Enterprises
Olé & Obrigado is a nationally recognized importer specializing in Portuguese and Spanish wines. Founded by Patrick Mata and Alberto Orte, this company’s mission is to provide authentic, high-quality wines from the Iberian Peninsula to the U.S. market. Their portfolio features wines from top family-owned winegrowers, ensuring that every bottle reflects the unique character of Portugal. With distribution in all 50 states, Olé & Obrigado is a trusted name among fine wine retailers and restaurants.
Image Credits: Olé & Obrigado
Sarmento’s Imports is a full-service importer and distributor based in Massachusetts, offering a wide range of products, including Portuguese wines, liquors, and beers. Known for their strong relationships with retailers and liquor stores, Sarmento’s is now expanding into the restaurant sector, particularly in Boston. Their focus on Portuguese wines, combined with a growing presence in other international markets, makes them a key player in the U.S. Portuguese wine import industry.
Image Credits: Sarmento's Imports
JD Selections is an importer dedicated to showcasing artisan Portuguese wines in the U.S. market. The company, founded by a passionate wine lover Jeff Davis, the Chief Selector, focuses on bringing lesser-known but high-quality wines to American consumers. JD Selections works with producers who are redefining Portugal's global reputation as a winemaking powerhouse, offering wines that are steeped in tradition but also innovative in style.
Image Credits: JD's Selections
Saudade Imports specializes in importing exclusive, hand-selected Portuguese wines that reflect the country's rich history and terroir. Inspired by the founder’s Portuguese heritage, Saudade Imports aims to bring the stories of Portuguese winemakers to life for American consumers. From the rolling hills of Vinho Verde to the Douro Valley, Saudade Imports delivers world-class wines that are both rooted in tradition and exciting for the modern wine enthusiast.
Image Credits: Saudade Imports
The Vinho is dedicated to bringing authentic Vinho Verde wines from Portugal to Southern California. After navigating the complexities of importing, they proudly introduced 12 producers and 45 carefully selected wines in November 2022. The Vinho focuses on sourcing wines from small, family-run producers who embody the true essence of Vinho Verde. Their portfolio boasts of wines that are crafted with low-intervention methods and sustainable farming practices, ensuring each bottle reflects the rich history and artisanal traditions of the region.
Image Credits: The Vinho
As Portugal continues to gain international recognition for its diverse and high-quality wines, these importers are playing a pivotal role in introducing U.S. consumers to the country’s unique viticultural offerings. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to Portuguese wines, these importers provide a gateway to discovering the best of Portugal’s vinous treasures.
Header image sourced from Diniz Cellar (Instagram).
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2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards submissions is now open for domestic and international wines. Enter your Wines now to get the early bird pricing.