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Tanunda, South Australia - Exploring the Historic Heart of the Barossa Valley
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Tanunda, South Australia - Exploring the Historic Heart of the Barossa Valley
Nestled among rolling vineyards and cellar doors, Tanunda in the Barossa Valley has leafy streets, interesting German heritage, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is the perfect base for exploring the many wineries and attractions of the Barossa Valley. It is located 77 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, making it an easy day trip or great weekend getaway.
During our visit to Tanunda, we wandered around the Town Centre, popped into Brown Barossa Donuts and visited Chateau Tanunda. We also visited Jacobs Creek Winery, the Barossa Chocolate Company, Rockford Wines and Seppeltsfield Winery.
Wandering along Murray Street
Murray Street is the main street of Tanunda and has heritage buildings, cosy cafés, boutique shops, galleries, wine bars, and historic hotels. We enjoyed wandering around, admiring the architecture and browsing in the local stores.
One interesting landmark is the Tabor Lutheran Church, with its impressive 26-metre spire rising above the streetscape. Opened in 1850, it was Tanunda’s first place of worship and remains a powerful reminder of the town’s early European settlers. Nearby, the Visitor Information Centre — originally an 1880s general store and residence — sits proudly in the centre of town, while the former 1866 Post Office now houses the fascinating Barossa Museum.
Browns Barossa Donuts - So Many Choices
After wandering along Murray Street, we popped into Browns Barossa Donuts for coffee and a donut. They are known for their handcrafted brioche donuts, which are made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, and their slow-proved dough rests for 30 hours to create their signature light and fluffy donuts. They offer a great selection from classic favourites like cinnamon sugar and vanilla bean glazed, to filled donuts with homemade jams, custards and fun flavours including Ferror Rocher and Cookies and Cream.
Visiting the Stunning Château Tanunda
A short drive out of town brings you to the iconic Chateau Tanunda, built in 1890 on the site of the Barossa’s very first winery. Surrounded by sweeping lawns, vineyards, and historic buildings, the château feels grand yet inviting. Inside the cellar door — open daily from 10 am to 5 pm — tastings take place among rows of oak barrels filled with maturing wines. Outside, the croquet green and shaded seating offer a peaceful place to relax. Chateau Tanunda also offer guided tours and special tasting experiences where you can learn more about the estate’s rich winemaking history.
Jacobs Creek - A Classic Barossa Experience
Just 6 kilometres away at Rowland Flat, the welcoming Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre blends modern hospitality with vineyard views. Open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, it features a cellar door, café, restaurant, and beautiful gardens. Guided tastings showcase their famous wines alongside limited releases and cellar collections.
The Harvest Restaurant serves lunch daily, while the Wine Café offers coffee, snacks, and wine by the glass — best enjoyed on the lawns overlooking vineyards and the Barossa Ranges. We enjoyed wandering around the demonstration vineyard and learning about different grape varieties. Jacobs Creek also has many other experiences including vineyard picnics, wine pairings, and even horse-riding amongst the vines.
Barossa Valley Chocolate Company
Only 3 kilometres from Tanunda, the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company is a dream for chocolate lovers. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, the showroom displays more than 150 handcrafted chocolate creations made from milk, dark, white, and ruby chocolate. Watching the production kitchen in action — especially the mesmerising chocolate wall — is a highlight. There’s also a café serving coffee, meals, gelato, and indulgent desserts, plus bookable chocolate-and-wine pairings and hands-on workshops.
Rockford Wines - Tradition in Every Bottle
In nearby Krondorf, Rockford Wines offers a wonderfully authentic Barossa experience.
The cellar door is a charming cluster of historic buildings centred around an 1850s barn and is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Tastings here feel relaxed and personal, with staff happily sharing stories of the winery’s heritage. Rockford is best known for its Basket Press Shiraz, crafted in small batches using traditional winemaking techniques.
Seppeltsfield -History, Wine, and Creativity
About 12 kilometres from Tanunda lies the grand estate of Seppeltsfield Winery, established in 1851. Its iconic palm-lined avenue, heritage buildings, and manicured gardens make it an interesting winery to visit. The cellar door is open daily from 10:30 am to 5.00 pm, offering a range of tasting experiences.
FINO Seppeltsfield restaurant overlooks the estate fountain and serves lunch daily from noon to 3.00 pm. Beyond wine, the JamFactory at Seppeltsfield adds a creative dimension, showcasing handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, glass, and leatherwork inside beautifully restored 1850s stables. A self-guided history walk reveals highlights including the original Seppelt family homestead, the winemaker’s lawn, and other fascinating heritage buildings.
Why Tanunda Is Worth Exploring
Tanunda captures everything that makes the Barossa Valley so special — history, hospitality, world-class wine, and a relaxed country pace. Whether you’re strolling Murray Street, tasting wines in historic cellars, indulging in chocolate treats, or simply enjoying vineyard views, this charming town offers a rich and memorable experience.
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