Douro Valley and Tasmania's Bird in Hand wineries draw visitors

Travel writer highlights a two‑night itinerary in Portugal's Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards along the Douro River produce the grapes for port wine and offer boutique hotels, winery picnics and visits to towns such as Peso da Régua, Pinhão and Lamego. The guide notes the region's UNESCO World Heritage status and recommends Quinta do Bosque for accommodation and Aneto & Table for a standout meal.

A separate piece reports on a wine‑focused getaway in Tasmania featuring Bird in Hand's Waterton Hall estate on the River Tamar. Guests are treated to multi‑course meals paired with the winery's sparkling, Riesling and Pinot Noir, while co‑founder Susie Nugent says, "We came to Tasmania because of climate change," citing cooler conditions for their cool‑climate varietals. The experience includes visits to nearby vineyards, premium dining at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and wildlife spotting such as peregrine falcons and sea eagles.