Bringing Portugal to Rhode Island
Christopher Saraiva and his wife, Nelly, didn’t start their careers in the wine business. For two decades, they were deeply entrenched in the wedding industry—Chris as a DJ and Nelly as a photographer. Their world revolved around storytelling, capturing moments, and creating experiences. But as their professional lives evolved, they found themselves drawn to something even more personal: the rich heritage of Portuguese wine.
It was a legacy they couldn’t ignore. Chris’ family had been involved in the importation of Portuguese wines for over 40 years, catering to the needs of the local Portuguese-American community. As the world changed and tastes evolved, Chris and Nelly recognized a gap in the market. The wines being imported from Portugal to the U.S. were often tweaked to suit American palates—sweeter, less authentic, and lacking the depth and tradition they had grown up with. They saw an opportunity to bring something truly special to Rhode Island: wines that spoke of family, tradition, and the land from which they came.
The Birth of a Business
In 2021, amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris and Nelly founded Brands of Portugal. Their mission was clear: to showcase small, family-owned wineries from Portugal that maintained traditional production methods, using native grape varieties with minimal intervention.
“We always say, ‘more hands on grapes, less intervention, more sustainability,'” Chris explained. “We wanted to bring authentic wines to the U.S., not export-only products modified for the market.”
Their passion for authenticity led them to seek wines that had less than three grams of residual sugar and relied on native grape varietals, reflecting the true identity of Portugal’s diverse wine regions. The result? A hand-selected collection of wines that offered a direct connection to Portuguese culture.
From East Providence to the World
Operating from their base in East Providence, Rhode Island, the couple built their business with a focus on education. Unlike traditional wine importers, they weren’t just about selling bottles—they were about sharing stories. Wine dinners, educational events, and social media became key tools in their strategy.
“A lot of what we do is wine education,” Chris said. “We host tastings, wine dinners, and events right in our warehouse. My wife does an amazing job handling our social media, telling the stories behind the wines and the families that produce them.”
Their business model is B2B (business-to-business), meaning they don’t sell directly to consumers. Instead, they partner with restaurants, liquor stores, and distributors across multiple states. Today, Brands of Portugal operates not only in Rhode Island but also in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Tennessee, and Florida, with further expansions on the horizon.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any business, Brands of Portugal has faced its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles in recent years has been infrastructure issues, specifically the impact of bridge construction in their local area.
“You wouldn’t think something like that would directly affect a wine importer, but it does,” Chris explained. “If restaurants and retailers are losing customers because of detours or accessibility issues, that trickles down to us. It affects their purchasing, which in turn affects our business.”
Despite these challenges, their growth has been steady. The company’s success stems from its ability to balance its existing customer base while continuously expanding into new markets.
“We’ve been fortunate. Even when we lose repeat business due to external factors, we’ve managed to compensate by bringing in new customers.”
A Cultural Mission
More than just selling wine, Brands of Portugal is on a mission to reintroduce an old-world tradition to modern American culture: wine at the table.
“For us, growing up, wine was always a part of the meal,” Chris said. “It wasn’t about drinking—it was about conversation, connection, and community. That’s something we’re losing here, especially in this generation.”
Through their educational initiatives, Chris and Nelly hope to rekindle that tradition. They encourage consumers to explore Portuguese wines, not just because of their affordability (many of their wines fall into the $15-$25 range, offering tremendous value) but because they represent something more—a connection to history, family, and the land.
Looking to the Future
As Brands of Portugal continues to expand, Chris and Nelly have big plans. Their immediate goal is to further penetrate the restaurant market, ensuring that Portuguese wines get the visibility they deserve on wine lists across the country.
“If you’re at a restaurant or a wine shop, don’t skip the Portugal section,” Chris urged. “Sometimes it’s tucked away in a back corner, but that’s where you’ll find some of the best value wines available.”
Their long-term vision? To continue growing their distribution footprint while remaining true to their core mission—bringing the best of Portugal to the U.S. without compromise.
Conclusion:
In an industry where mass-market wines often dominate the shelves, Brands of Portugal stands as a refreshing alternative—an importer focused on authenticity, sustainability, and tradition. For Chris and Nelly Saraiva, wine is more than just a business; it’s a family legacy and a cultural bridge between Portugal and the U.S.
So the next time you see a bottle of Portuguese wine, take a closer look. There’s a good chance it comes with a story—one that Chris and Nelly are working tirelessly to share with the world.