Jim Concannon, 'Father Of Petite Sirah,' Dies At 95

LIVERMORE, CA — James Concannon, a third-generation vintner whose innovations helped shape California winemaking, died Oct. 12 at age 95, Concannon Vineyard announced. Concannon was a lifelong Livermore resident known for his dedication to the community and his innovations in winemaking.

"Those who knew Jim will remember the person first," the Concannon family said in an email. "Warm, welcoming, and genuinely interested in everyone he met, he had a way of making people feel at home. His kindness and his love of connecting with others were the heart of who he was, and the friendships he built meant as much to him as any wine he helped create."

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Concannon was born in 1931 to Joseph and Nina Concannon, and grew up around winemaking, according to his obituary. He attended St. Michael School and graduated from Livermore High School in 1949, where he played varsity basketball and earned his letterman sweater. He graduated from Saint Mary's College in 1953, then served in the U.S. Army. He then studied winemaking and chemistry at UC Davis before returning to his family's vineyard.

In 1961, Concannon became the first winemaker to commercially bottle Petite Sirah as a varietal wine, earning him the title "Father of Petite Sirah." He also contributed to UC Davis' Cabernet Sauvignon clonal selection program, helping develop vines that became widely planted throughout California. In later years, he traveled across the country helping promote and market Concannon Vineyard.

Concannon served on many community and industry boards. He was an active Rotarian, and served on the boards of St. Michael Catholic Church, 25 years on the Zone 7 Water Agency Board, the Tri-Valley Conservancy Land Trust, and several wine industry boards.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen, his three children Mary, Anna Marie, and Paul; and his three grandchildren. His eldest son John died in July 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Livermore. Memorial donations can be made to St. Michael School or St. Michael Catholic Church.

"Jim will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to California winemaking, his enduring love for his family, and his lifelong dedication to the Livermore Valley. His influence will endure in the vineyards he helped shape, the community he served, and the generations who follow," his obituary said.