Portuguese people living abroad know the struggle of finding quality Portuguese products easily, especially if you happen to live outside of big Portuguese community areas. So you can imagine my joy when I discovered a brand new company that distributes Portuguese wines where I live, in Pennsylvania.
I met Cristian, the founder of Silver Coast Imports, in person to get to know his backstory… and to sample some wines, of course. Even though he was raised in the US, he feels strongly about his Portuguese roots and has always been proud of his heritage. I can completely relate to wanting to share a piece of Portugal with people who might otherwise know nothing about it. With me, it meant writing a travel blog; Cristian chose wines. The company was named after the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast), the coastal area between the greater Lisbon area and the greater Porto area, extending probably around 60-70 km inland. Not only does that region hold a special place in Cristian’s heart, it also produces some great wines.
After tasting a couple of the vinho verde wines, I was hooked. I’m a big fan of vinho verde, and Silver Coast Imports have several of these on their catalog. I wasn’t familiar with any of the wine producers that they carry, because their wines all come from several smaller, family-run vineyards. And who doesn’t love a good boutique wine? I can’t wait to introduce these wines (some of which are award-winners at international competitions) to my American friends. I’m already taking four bottles for Easter celebrations this weekend. Even though they may not be on the shelves of your local PA wine store, you can already order them at any Fine Wine & Good Spirits store by providing the reference numbers of the wines you want (found on the website).
Don’t be surprised if you start seeing some Silver Coast Imports wines at your local bar in the Philadelphia and Bucks County areas. You can already find them at Tria, The Good King Tavern and Jet Wine Bar (with a few more to be announced). It’s only a matter of time before Portuguese wines have conquered all the wine lists in town.
Lucky you! Can’t find good Portuguese wine in the south, only a few non discript bottles of vinho verde. I have had to contend myself with a good Chilian red blend which approximates a good tinto da casa found in typical restaurants and baucas in Portugal.
Where down south are you? I know some Trader Joe’s carry a few bottles of vinho verde but I totally feel your pain. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they’re more prevalent.
Recently moved to Jacksonville, FL from Savannah, GA. Jax is larger than Savannah with more outlets, etc but when one mentions Portuguese here, everyone screams Brazilian. Utilizing Middle eastern, Hispanic and Brazilian markets, I can more or less recreate my favorite foods, especially if I use the Oriental market for fresh squid, octopus and clams. All I’m missing are some of the enchidos like farinheira, alheira and a good morcela (the latin american variety will make you gag.) No subs for the cheese. Can’t find a Dominican market, here. where I could buy papo seco.
I’m making a list of all your tips! Seems like you’re doing a great job with limited ingredients!
We are always looking for good local sources of all things Portugal. We have found some Vinho Verde locally- We are in the Philadelphia area about 40 minutes west. We will be on the lookout for Silver Coast. Also Tria in Philly is awesome!
If you look on the Silve Coast Imports website, you can choose a wine, and order directly from your local Fine Wine & Good Spirits store using the reference code.