Protocol stack point of view, S1-U is the interface between eNodeB and SGW and it is based on GTP-U. This interface is used for data flow. Now coming to your query, when an eNB talk to SGW. Answer is when an eNodeb wants to forward uplink data to network. Since SGW is immediate node which eNodeB knows for data plane so its forwards data to SGW using GTP user plane tunnels.
Each bearer has its own tunnel end identifier and it is communicated to eNodeB via MME by using Initial context setup request or E-RAB setup request messages.
References:
3GPP Technical Specification 36.413
3GPP Technical Specification 29.272
If you still have any doubt or want more clarification, please feel free to ask.