The Australian distilling industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and beloved figures with the passing of Lorelle Warren, co-founder of Bellarine Distillery and The Whiskery in Victoria.
The team at Bellarine Distillery shared news of Lorelle’s passing on Facebook yesterday, expressing both their grief and gratitude for having had such an amazing woman in their lives.
The post read: “It is with unbearable sadness that today we say farewell to Lorelle Joy Warren, our co-founder, our Boss Lady.
“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.
“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. She loved to have a laugh, a glass or two of bubbles with friends, she was a people person and a lover of dogs.
“Our feelings of deep loss are equally charged with overwhelming gratitude for having had such an amazing woman in our lives.
“Our hearts go out to those feeling the deepest loss of all, Russ, Ellie & Liam, and her many dear & close friends & family. We are here for you.
“Lorelle’s vision and drive (not to mention her Teddy & The Fox recipe!) has been integral to Bellarine Distillery’s success. Our future goals and growth will be just as driven by her legacy and inspiration.
“Today our hearts break with loss but we also celebrate the incredible impact Lorelle had on our lives. We raise a glass to you Lorelle.
“We love you Lorelle, rest in peace.”
A tireless advocate for Australian distilling
Lorelle was not only a visionary in the world of spirits but also a tireless advocate for the industry. Her passion for distilling was matched only by her commitment to strengthening the Australian distilling sector. She was an instrumental figure in securing $20 million in state funding for Victorian distilleries, funding that has helped improve safety compliance, education, and infrastructure across the industry. Her efforts were recognised when she was inducted into the Australian Distillers (ADA) Hall of Fame in 2024, an honour that highlighted her significant contributions.
As Paul McLeay, Chief Executive of the ADA, noted: “Lorelle was a fierce advocate for Australian distilling who often put the needs of her industry before those of her own business.”
Her selflessness was evident in every aspect of her career. Lorelle’s instrumental role in establishing the Victorian Distillery Door Program was one of her many achievements, helping to create a platform for distilleries to grow and succeed.
“Lorelle will be greatly missed, but certainly not forgotten,” McLeay added.
A friend and advocate for all
Cam Mackenzie, a long-time friend of Lorelle’s and a fellow industry leader at Four Pillars, as well as the President of the Spirits Victoria Association (SVA), shared his heartfelt tribute.
“Lorelle was a great friend to so many – both within our industry and well beyond it.
“I first met Lorelle when she and Russ visited Four Pillars. A lot of people would drop in or do a masterclass with dreams of starting a distillery, but few followed through. Most wanted to talk about bloody lemon myrtle and finger limes – but Lorelle and Russ were different. You could tell they were serious, and I had no doubt they’d make it happen.
“While Russ chatted about the still, Lorelle was asking the unsexy questions – about costs, energy use, and record keeping. They already had their product worked out; now they were making sure the business side would be just as strong. I remember us laughing as we quickly discovered a shared dislike of local councils and bureaucracy. Something that never faded.
“Lorelle believed that a rising tide lifts all boats, and she loved accountability. Her work with the SVA and her advocacy with government were tireless. So much so that last year she was rightly inducted into the Australian Distillers Hall of Fame. She almost single handedly secured $20 million in funding for the Victorian Spirits Industry by convincing the former treasurer that OUR INDUSTRY was worth investing in.
“And through all of this, she never lost her empathy. Lorelle truly understood what small distilleries face day to day. She represented us with passion, clarity, and strength. I often thought she’d have been formidable on a sporting field – I’d want her on my team, and I’d be terrified facing off against her.
“Vale Lorelle Warren – you’ll be missed by so many.”
Kathleen Davies, Founder of Women of Australian Distilling, shared her sadness at Lorelle’s passing while celebrating all that she achieved for the industry.
“Lorelle’s remarkable impact on the Australian distilling industry, especially in Victoria, will be remembered by everyone. Her absence will be profoundly felt by her colleagues and the many women who looked up to her as a positive role model.
“Lorelle was the driving force behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in transforming Bellarine Distillery into what it is today, alongside her beloved husband Russell and their remarkable team. We express our sincere condolences; Lorelle will be profoundly missed by the Australian distilling community,” she said.
The legacy of Lorelle’s advocacy, which strengthened not just Bellarine Distillery but the entire Victorian and Australian distilling community, will continue to inspire future generations. And while we mourn the loss of such a remarkable woman, we also celebrate the extraordinary impact she had on our lives and our industry.
The team at The Shout extends our sincerest condolences to Russ, the family, and the team at Bellarine Distillery.
Vale, Lorelle Warren. Rest in peace.