Our Story
A family, a vineyard, and a place called Orange
More than just a wine label, Lidster represents our family’s journey, our shared experiences around the world, and our commitment to crafting wines that express the unique character of Orange.
About us
Lidster Wines is a family-run winery owned and operated by Dan and Tracey Shaw in the cool-climate wine region of Orange, NSW. What began as a shared love of the land has grown into a hands-on winemaking journey rooted in care, craft, and genuine connection.
Every vine on the property is nurtured by Dan and Tracey and family, ensuring each vintage reflects the character of their soil and the integrity of their process. Their approach is simple: respect the land, nurture the vines, and create wines that bring people together.
Set among Orange’s elevated landscapes, where crisp nights and long, sunlit days shape beautifully expressive wines, Lidster Wines is committed to sustainable practices and thoughtful winemaking. For Dan and Tracey, it’s not just about producing exceptional wine; it’s about preserving the natural beauty of the region they call home.
Whether you’re discovering Lidster Wines for the first time or returning to a favourite drop, Dan and Tracey are honoured to share their craft with you, from their family to yours.
Owner
Meet the winemaker
Wine has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the Hunter Valley at a time when the Australian wine industry was booming, and I was lucky enough to witness the growth of a local family-run winery firsthand. That early exposure sparked a passion that has taken me around the world.
Over the years, I’ve worked in some of the world’s great wine regions, including Burgundy, Montepulciano, Chianti, Paso Robles, Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Margaret River, McLaren Vale and the Yarra Valley. From cellar work during my university days to senior winemaking roles in large international wine businesses, every experience has shaped my approach to wine.
Despite the opportunities to work for some highly successful companies, I always felt drawn back to a smaller, more hands-on style of winemaking. Returning to Orange was a natural decision. This region has a special place in my heart, having spent years planting our family vineyard alongside my dad.
Today, my focus is simple: to grow the best grapes possible and make wines that genuinely reflect where they come from. We’re continually learning more about our vineyard and moving towards farming practices guided by organic principles and a deep respect for the natural environment.
I believe the best wines are an honest expression of place. They tell a story about the land, the season, and the people behind them. That’s what inspires me every day and what we aim to capture in every bottle we make.
Owner
The heart of hospitality
Bringing people together over good food and wine has always been my favourite thing, whether that’s with family, with friends, or with someone discovering the region for the first time.
I’ve spent more than twenty years in the wine industry and worked across almost every part of a wine business, with winemaking being the one exception. I’ll quietly admit that until we started Lidster, I had spent exactly one day working in a vineyard.
Over those years I’ve managed cellar doors, run industry events and awards evenings, established and nurtured wine clubs, and hosted some memorable club gatherings. What I enjoy most is the conversation, the stories and the experiences that happen over a bottle of wine.
The idea of having a label of our own first came up while we were living in New Zealand, but with a young family at the time we decided to wait until it felt right. When we came back to Australia I joined the cellar door team at the family winery in Orange, and it turned out to be a perfect fit.
I’m not sure if he makes wine that I like, or that I just like the wine he makes.
The vineyard
Our journey begins with the soil, the quiet heartbeat of our land. Here, among sun-warmed vines and shifting seasons, we learned that true stewardship is not about control, but about listening.
Located in the Lidster LGA within the Orange Wine Region, we believe that nurturing and creating harmony in our approach to growing the vines creates an environment where we can preserve the integrity of the soils and ensure the health of the land for years to come.
It’s a family affair, and on any given day you’ll find at least one family member training, trimming or driving a tractor. A family that farms together.
In 2024, we recognised the opportunity to finally take that next step, and Lidster was launched. More than just a wine label, Lidster represents our family’s journey, our shared experiences around the world, and our commitment to crafting wines that express the unique character of Orange.