Concannon

Concannon Vineyard is one of the oldest and most historically significant wineries in California, located in the Livermore Valley AVA. Founded in 1883 by James Concannon, an Irish immigrant, the winery is particularly recognized for its contributions to the development of Cabernet Sauvignon in California.

James Concannon purchased the land in Livermore with the intention of planting vines and producing high-quality wines. He imported grape cuttings from Bordeaux, France, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon. Concannon is credited with introducing specific Cabernet Sauvignon clones, known as Concannon clones 7, 8, and 11, which have become widely planted throughout California and are valued for their fruit quality and disease resistance. These clones are often associated with elegant structure and intense flavors.

The Concannon family owned and operated the winery for over a century. In 2002, the winery was sold to the Wine Group, but it continues to operate under the Concannon name, preserving its historical legacy and continuing to produce a variety of wines, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery offers tours and tastings and is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts visiting the Livermore Valley.

Concannon's legacy extends beyond its own wines; its contributions to viticulture, particularly the widespread adoption of its Cabernet Sauvignon clones, have had a lasting impact on the California wine industry as a whole.