Bellarine Distillery

Bellarine Distillery, established in 2015, was the first modern spirits producer to open on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula south-west of Melbourne. Family owned and proudly independent, Bellarine embodies much of what we love about Australia’s small craft spirits producers. Founders Russ Watson and Lorelle Warren (the latter of whom is an Australian Distillers Hall of Fame inductee) were joined by Nicky and Craig Michael in 2017, with Craig becoming the head distiller. These kind, humble folks can often be found at markets, industry events, tastings and festivals, always with a smile and a winning attitude that’s as much about building community and friendship as it is about booze. Their excellent Teddy & The Fox brand gins and gin liqueurs have been a staple of the craft spirits scene in Victoria for many years now, and they have recently begun releasing single malt whiskies to the delight of Melbourne’s whisky community. The distillery is also open for visitors 11am–6pm seven days a week, with cocktails, tasting flights, pizza and other food available, making it one of Victoria’s nicest distilleries for an afternoon G&T. -FRED SIGGINS