Bellarine Distillery, The Whiskery co-founder Lorelle Warren dies

Tributes are pouring in for Bellarine Distillery co-founder Lorelle Warren after the business announced her sad passing.

Chelsea Bunting

@chelseambunting

less than 2 min read

April 9, 2025 - 7:56AM

Geelong Advertiser

Lorelle Warren, co-founder of The Whiskery and Bellarine Distillery, has died. Picture: Alison Wynd

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The woman behind a popular distillery on the Bellarine has died.

Lorelle Warren, co-founder of the Bellarine Distillery and The Whiskery, is being remembered as a “force of nature” and a loving mother and friend.

Ms Warren’s death was announced on the The Whiskery’s Facebook page on Tuesday morning.

“She was a force to be reckoned with, not just in our business, or the local community, but in the industry at large, with her achievements recognised last year when inducted into the Australian Distillers Hall of Fame,” the post read.

“(She was) not just an incredible force of nature, she was loving, kind and caring to those around her, especially to those closest to her, as a mother, wife, sister, daughter and dear friend.

Lorelle Warren, co-founder of The Whiskery and Bellarine Distillery, has died. Picture: Alison Wynd

“She loved to have a laugh, a glass or two of bubbles with friends, she was a people person and a lover of dogs.”

Ms Warren and her husband Russ Watson opened the Bellarine Distillery in Drysdale in 2015, where they produce popular gin Teddy and The Fox.

They later opened its cellar door The Whiskery in 2018, serving food and beverages.

The post read that the business’ future goals would be inspired by Ms Warren and the legacy she leaves behind.

“Today our hearts break with loss but we also celebrate the incredible impact Lorelle had on our lives,” it read.

“We raise a glass to you Lorelle.

“We love you Lorelle, rest in peace.”

Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay said Ms Warren would be “greatly missed, but certainly not forgotten”.

“Lorelle was a fierce advocate for Australian distilling who often put the needs of her industry before those of her own business,” he said.

“She was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2024 in recognition of her outstanding contribution, including her instrumental role in establishing the Victorian Distillery Door Program.”