In Memoriam: John Concannon, Visionary Fourth-Generation Vintner and Champion of Sustainable California Winemaking, Dies at 64
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 fourth-generation vintner and the proud torchbearer of one of California’s most storied wine legacies, John was more than a steward of vines—he was a steward of history, heritage, and innovation. His absence leaves a profound void not only in his family and among his peers, but across the entire California wine community and beyond.
Born into a legacy that began in 1883 with the founding of Concannon Vineyard, John embraced the weight of history with humility and passion. He didn’t simply maintain what his ancestors built—he transformed it. As a forward-thinking leader, John ushered in a new era of excellence for the estate, marrying tradition with innovation in ways that honored the past while preparing Concannon for the future.
Under John’s thoughtful leadership, Concannon Vineyard underwent a sweeping revitalization—a decade-long transformation that breathed new life into the property, its winemaking practices, and its global reputation. He believed in sustainability not just as a business practice, but as a duty, ensuring that the land his great-grandfather once cultivated would continue to flourish for generations to come. That belief culminated in one of his proudest achievements: Concannon becoming one of the first 17 wineries in California to earn Certified Sustainable status.
John’s commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship set new standards in viticulture. Yet, he was never one to chase recognition. Still, it found him—from being invited to represent Concannon at the Smithsonian Institution to contributing to the International Cabernet Symposium, where he proudly spoke about the legacy and evolution of the Concannon Clones—Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings that have become foundational to much of California’s Cabernet production today.
Though John stood as a titan in the wine industry, he was best known by those closest to him for his gentle wisdom, his welcoming spirit, and his unwavering belief that wine is about people and stories, not just grapes and soil. He saw Concannon not only as a place of production, but as a gathering place—a living storybook where families, friends, and strangers alike could share life’s most meaningful moments over a glass of wine.
His presence on the estate was unmistakable. Whether guiding tours, hosting tastings, or walking the vineyard rows at dawn, John was grounded in purpose and driven by a quiet but passionate sense of mission. To many, he wasn’t just a vintner—he was a mentor, a friend, a community leader, and a humble visionary.
Today, John’s legacy lives on—in every bottle poured, every vine nurtured, and every visitor welcomed to the Livermore Valley estate he so lovingly protected and elevated. The landscape of California wine has been indelibly shaped by his vision, his leadership, and his love.
As we mourn this irreplaceable loss, we also celebrate a life that was deeply lived and generously shared.
“Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” – Galileo
John Concannon was the keeper of that sunlight. And we are all the better for it.
He is survived by his loving family, the dedicated team at Concannon Vineyard, and a vast community of peers and admirers who will carry his vision forward with the same reverence and resolve he showed each day.
We will miss his warmth. We will cherish his wisdom. We will honor his unwavering vision.
Rest in peace, John Concannon. Your roots run deep—and they will never stop growing.