The Barossa – Tanunda   

Tanunda, in the Barossa, is the most popular town throughout the Barossa Valley.  It is considered to be the number one tourist destination, and so caters well for this.  Located approximately 70 km north east of Adelaide city, Tanunda encompasses the popular smaller village towns of Langmeil and Bethany, and was established in 1848 by German settlers who arrived in the Barossa. 

Tanunda is surrounded by beautiful vineyards which produce and large portion of the total amount of wine which comes out of the  Barossa region. Tanunda offers some great cellar doors where you can taste some of the great wines they produce. Peter Lehmann Wines, Chateau Tanunda Estate, St Hallett Wines, Illaparra Wine Store, Langmeil Winery, Richmond Grove Winery, Rockford Wines, Stanley Lambert Winery, and many more. 

Tanunda is full of history and still holds strong links to its German heritage to this day.  The Tanunda mens choir, the Tanunda Liedertafel, is still running, and dates back to 1868, and the Tanunda Town Band, the oldest brass band in the world, celebrated 150 years in 2007.  It is a very popular band which plays at all the major events throughout the Barossa Valley, and beyond.  The local Lutheran schools in Tanunda hold in high regard their rich culture and heritage and each year school children take part in many of the community events celebrating this history. 

Whether it is a hearty appetite for traditional German cooking, 5 star a la carte cuisine, or a relaxing pub meal, Tanunda offers some of the best local produce the Barossa has to offer.  Jacob’s Restaurant at Jacob’s Creek Winery was awarded the 2007 and 2008 Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services Award, and the Best Tourism Winery Award from SA’s Tourism Association.  1918 Bistro and Grill is a local favourite, but be sure to book ahead as it is a very popular restaurant.  There is also The Clubhouse, which is very popular and serves great pub style meals at an affordable price, and in a great relaxed atmosphere too. 

For activities and attractions, Tanunda has much to offer.  The Barossa Regional Gallery, hosts some fine examples of local works including the Barossa Vintage Festival Collection, Community Art in Fabric, and an ever changing collection of local and non-local artistic pieces.  The Chateau Barossa Rose Garden is a beautiful sight all year round, with more than 30,000 rose bushes from all over the world planted within a 12 hectare garden.  Chateau Dorrien Winery offers a glimpse into Tanunda’s winemaking historical past.  Take a tour of the 100 year old building that still has the original cement wine vats, and also offers a Heritage Gallery and Craft section.  The Tanunda Pines Golf Club, located adjacent to Novotel Barossa is an 18 hole course set in a beautiful location surrounded by Jacob’s Creek and St Hallett winery vines.  The Keg Factory gives a wonderful and interesting insight into the traditional methods of keg making.  Here they produce top quality hand crafted spirit and port kegs.  And finally Wohlers Furniture and Giftstore, located in the main street, Tanunda, showcases beautiful Australian made Mahogany furniture.  The Wohler family still own and run this impressive store. 

In this article we have only uncovered just a small portion of what Tanunda has to offer its tourists. It is best seen and experienced for yourself to get a taste of the true flavour and rich heritage of the  Barossa Valley and its wonderfully hospitable people.