Jim Concannon, a pioneering figure in California’s wine industry and widely recognized as the "Father of Petite Sirah," died peacefully on October 12 at the age of 95. A lifelong resident of Livermore, California, Concannon was a third-generation vintner whose contributions significantly shaped the region’s winemaking legacy.

Born James John Concannon on July 25, 1931, he played a central role in elevating California wine, notably by being the first to commercially bottle the petite sirah varietal in 1961. His innovative work extended beyond that, as he collaborated with the University of California, Davis, in 1965 to develop key Cabernet Sauvignon clones—known as Concannon Cabernet Clones 7, 8, and 11. These clones originated from a single vine imported from Château Margaux in France’s Bordeaux region by his grandfather in 1883. This partnership facilitated the widespread cultivation and rising prominence of Cabernet Sauvignon across California.

Over the decades, despite changes in ownership of the Concannon Vineyard, the family’s influence and Jim Concannon’s personal impact remained strong. Heidi Rasmussen, the vineyard’s director of sales and hospitality, reflected on his lasting legacy, describing him as an expert with deep technical knowledge and a steadfast commitment to producing consistently high-quality wines. “He taught me hospitality. He was hospitality at its finest,” she said, emphasizing his genuine nature and ability to connect with people through storytelling and shared experiences.

Concannon was also dedicated to his community beyond the vineyard. He served for 25 years on the Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors, including 15 years alongside Livermore Mayor John Marchand. The mayor described him as “a true gentleman and an icon in the wine industry” who had a profound love for his family and the Livermore community. “If you talked with him for five minutes, he talked about his family,” Marchand said. “He was a friend and he will be deeply missed.”

Concannon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen, three children, four grandchildren, a sister, and other family members. His brother, John Concannon, passed away in 2025. The Concannon Vineyard noted that Jim Concannon’s legacy endures in the vineyards he helped cultivate, the community he served, and the generations of winemakers who followed in his footsteps.