An Elegant Guide to Al Fresco Dining with Aveleda Solos Wines
03 Jun 2025 / Food and Wine Pairing
When the gentle warmth of the late afternoon meets the light breeze, the perfect moment for an al fresco dinner is born.
A beautifully set table in the open air, surrounded by nature, good company, and the Aveleda Solos wines — crafted with deep respect for their terroirs — becomes a true celebration of the senses.
A beautifully set table in the open air, surrounded by nature, good company, and the Aveleda Solos wines — crafted with deep respect for their terroirs — becomes a true celebration of the senses.
This elegant guide offers inspiration to pair each Aveleda Solos wine with sophisticated, light, and striking dishes that elevate the pleasure of outdoor dining into a refined gourmet experience.
Starters to Awaken the Senses
To begin your al fresco dinner, choose starters that combine freshness and elegance. A scallop carpaccio with Sicilian lemon and fleur de sel highlights the minerality of Aveleda Solos de Granito.
The delicate texture of the scallops pairs perfectly with the wine’s vibrant acidity, creating a subtle dialogue between sea and stone.
Another refined suggestion is a salad of fresh figs with Parma ham, caramelised walnuts and aged goat’s cheese. Here, the sweetness of the figs and the richness of the cheese call for the structure and elegance of Aveleda Solos de Granito to hold the dish with poise.
Main Courses: The Centre of the Table – and Attention
When serving fish and seafood, wine pairings should enhance the sea's flavour while keeping the meal light and balanced for the evening. Grilled sea bass with pea purée and lemon oil finds its ideal match in Aveleda Solos de Xisto.
This wine offers a precise pairing for fish: its minerality and freshness cut through the fish's natural oils, bringing out the purity of its flavour.
The same wine also pairs beautifully with prawn ceviche with mango and coriander. The acidity of the dish and the fruitiness of the wine create a tropical, elegant, and surprising symphony.
For something a little richer yet still fresh, we suggest salmon tataki with sesame and ginger emulsion. Aveleda Solos de Granito pairs exceptionally with salmon, respecting the fish’s natural oils while enhancing the dish’s intensity.
And since salads also have a place at any al fresco dinner, we recommend a warm lobster salad with green beans, baby potatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette. Here, freshness and tension should guide the pairing — qualities beautifully delivered by Aveleda Solos de Granito.
Light & Sophisticated Desserts for a Sweet Ending
To end the evening gracefully, choose desserts that evoke summer and keep the meal light. A filo pastry tarte Tatin is an irresistible choice. The sweetness of the fruit and the crispness of the pastry echo the subtle elegance of Aveleda Solos de Granito.
For cheese lovers, a plate of soft and semi-soft Portuguese cheeses is ideal. Here, the golden rule of cheese and wine pairing applies: avoid overpowering flavours and choose a wine that complements without dominating.
Pairing wine and cheese is an art — and Aveleda Solos de Xisto offers the perfect balance for goat’s cheese and creamy Serra da Estrela.
Tips for a Memorable Al Fresco Dinner
More than the dishes themselves, it’s the ambience that turns a meal into an unforgettable moment. An al fresco dinner should feel welcoming and refined. Choose a natural wooden table, neutral-toned crockery, and linen napkins.
Soft lighting with candles and decorative dried flowers — lavender, for example — creates an immersive atmosphere. Wildflowers and olive branches add a touch of charm and understated sophistication.
Prepare a subtle musical selection, with soft jazz or bossa nova. Pay attention to wine temperature: serve whites between 8ºC and 12ºC. And remember: each course can be paired with a different Aveleda Solos wine, following the best wine pairing principles.
A Celebration of the Senses
Hosting an al fresco dinner is an act of sensory celebration. The Aveleda Solos wines, produced with precision and passion, elevate the experience to a level of natural sophistication.
From the choice of dishes to the décor, from ideal serving temperatures to pairing wines with fish, salmon or cheese — every detail contributes to a moment of pleasure and lasting memory.
Discover the full Aveleda Solos range here and be inspired for your next outdoor dinner. Small details make great wines — and unforgettable moments.
Written by Aveleda