It is with heavy hearts and deep reverence that we announce the passing of John Concannon, who departed this world in 2025 at the age of 64. A beloved father, husband, mentor

It is with heavy hearts and deep reverence that we announce the passing of John Concannon, who departed this world in 2025 at the age of 64. A beloved father, husband, mentor, and visionary, John leaves behind an enduring legacy woven through the vineyards of California and into the hearts of all who knew him.

As a fourth-generation vintner, John was the proud torchbearer of one of California’s most historic and pioneering wine families—the Concannon Vineyard, established in 1883. Nestled in the Livermore Valley, the vineyard has stood as a cornerstone of American winemaking for over a century, and under John’s leadership, it entered a new era of excellence, innovation, and global recognition.

Born in 1961, John grew up among the rows of grapevines that would one day become his life’s work and greatest passion. From a young age, he learned the artistry and science of winemaking from his father and grandfather—absorbing not just technique, but a deep-seated respect for the land and the community it nourished. He carried forward a family tradition rooted in integrity, resilience, and stewardship.

John was more than a winemaker—he was a guardian of history and a trailblazer for the future. Under his stewardship, Concannon Vineyard not only preserved its heritage but also embraced modern sustainability practices, expanded its varietal offerings, and built bridges between tradition and innovation. He was instrumental in advocating for sustainable viticulture in California and often spoke passionately about the need to care for the earth as reverently as we care for our families.

Beyond the vineyard, John was a warm and generous soul, known for his humility, humor, and unwavering kindness. He was a mentor to countless winemakers and agriculturalists across the country, always willing to share his wisdom and insight. To those who worked alongside him, John was a beacon of calm strength and quiet determination. To his friends, he was the man with the ever-ready smile and a glass of finely aged Petite Sirah—his favorite—ready to toast to life.

John was also a man of family. He found his greatest joy in his loved ones—his devoted wife of 38 years, Margaret, his two children, Christopher and Eliza, and his three grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papa.” His family was often by his side at the winery, walking the vineyard rows, sharing stories of their ancestors, and continuing the narrative of a family bound by love, legacy, and wine.

His loss is not only a profound blow to those who knew him personally, but also to the entire wine industry and the agricultural heart of California. John Concannon was more than the face of a vineyard; he was the heartbeat of a community, the custodian of a legacy, and the embodiment of everything that makes winemaking a noble, human endeavor.

In tribute to John’s life and contributions, the Concannon Vineyard will host a public celebration of life later this year, where friends, family, colleagues, and admirers can come together among the vines he loved so dearly to share memories, raise a glass, and honor a life well-lived.

John Concannon’s story does not end here. It lives on in the soil of Livermore, in every bottle poured, in the generations he inspired, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be eternal, and may his vineyard continue to thrive under the light of his enduring spirit.