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Third-generation vintner Jim Concannon of Livermore’s Concannon Vineyard has died at the age of 95, the vineyard announced Friday.
The company called Concannon “one of the great pioneers of California winemaking.” He was known as the “father” of Petite Sirah and the Concannon Clones.
“Jim’s work helped shape the wines we know and enjoy today, ” company officials said. “As we remember Jim’s extraordinary life, we celebrate not only what he accomplished, but the friendships he built and the lasting impression he left on those fortunate enough to know him.”
The company did not disclose the cause of death, and Livermore Vine was unable to reach the Concannon family.
Born July 25, 1931, to Joseph and Nina Concannon, James John Concannon grew up in Livermore where he attended St. Michael School and Livermore High School. Before his graduation in 1949, he played varsity basketball and “proudly earned” his letterman sweater, according to his obituary. Concannon went on to graduate from Saint Mary’s College in 1953, serve in the U.S. Army and study winemaking and chemistry at the University of California at Davis.
Upon returning to Concannon Vineyard and becoming vintner in 1960, Concannon followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, James Concannon, the vineyard’s founder and his dad, Joe Concannon. At the time, California wine was not the subject of global attention.
But one year later, Concannon led the company to commercially bottle the first standalone Petite Sirah in U.S. history.
Petite Sirah remains one of the company’s most popular wines and frequently receives recognition as a top-quality wine, including being named Best of California at the 2026 California State Fair Wine Competition, Concannon Vineyard officials said.
Believing in the state’s potential to become a top wine region, Concannon worked with Dr. Harold Olmo and Curt Alley of UC Davis in 1965 to develop the Concannon Clones 7, 8 and 11, all Cabernet Sauvignon grapevine varieties. Concannon Clones account for about 80% of the state’s 90,000 acres of Cabernet.
Concannon went on to travel the country marketing Concannon Vineyard. For his work, the California State Fair presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Concannon was also a longtime member of St. Michael Catholic Church and served on the parish board, along with several wine industry boards. He also spent 25 years on the Zone 7 Water Agency board and in 1994 was a founding board member of the South Livermore Valley Agricultural Land Trust, later known as the Tri-Valley Conservancy. He was an active rotarian and multi-time grand marshal of the Livermore Rodeo Parade.
Concannon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen; his children, Mary Lessard (Scott), Anna Marie Moore (Ken) and Paul Concannon (Robin); his grandchildren, Shannon Lessard Merry (Bradley), Eric Lessard and Kyle Moore; his sister, Nina Radisch (Jack) and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. John Concannon, his eldest son, died in June 2025.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 27 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Livermore, followed by a private graveside interment. A celebration of life will be invitation only.
In addition to lasting contributions to the wine industry, Concannon will be remembered for “his enduring love for his family and his lifelong dedication to the Livermore Valley,” his obituary states.
An ownership battle over Concannon Vineyard between Lemmons Family Vineyards and Darcie Kent Winery with its subsidiary Almost Famous Wine is currently working its way through Alameda County Superior Court.
