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Concannon Vineyard Summary

4590 Tesla Road
Livermore ,CA 94550
United States
(925) 456-2505
concannonvineyard.com

Concannon Vineyard Description

Concannon Vineyard is a historic winery located in the Livermore Valley of California. Established in 1883, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest wineries in California that is still in operation and owned by the original founding family. This rich history is deeply intertwined with the development of California's wine industry and winemaking techniques.

Concannon Vineyard is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and its focus on producing high-quality wines. They were the first winery in the United States to introduce Petite Sirah as a varietal in the 1960s, a bold and distinctive wine that has become a flagship of their collection. Their dedication to preserving their vineyards and the surrounding environment is reflected in their certification as a Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing winery.

One of the standout features of Concannon Vineyard is its picturesque grounds and beautiful tasting room. The winery offers visitors a unique experience, allowing them to tour the vineyards and taste a wide range of their award-winning wines. The tasting room showcases the winery's rich history, with displays of antique winemaking equipment and photographs documenting the journey of the Concannon family.

Concannon Vineyard is not just a place to enjoy great wines; it is also a testament to the enduring spirit and innovation of California winemaking. With its commitment to sustainable practices, a range of exceptional wines, and a deep sense of heritage, Concannon Vineyard continues to be a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts and a staple of California's vibrant winemaking culture.

What Makes Concannon Vineyard Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Concannon Vineyard, located in the picturesque Livermore Valley of California, stands apart from other wineries in the region due to its rich historical legacy, deep-rooted commitment to sustainable viticulture, and the unique quality of its wine offerings. Here are some key factors that make Concannon Vineyard truly distinctive:

1. Historical Significance: Concannon Vineyard holds the title of being one of California's oldest wineries, established in 1883 by James Concannon. This makes it a significant landmark in the state's winemaking history, as it predates the majority of wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma. With over 137 years of winemaking tradition, every bottle from Concannon carries a piece of California's viticultural heritage.

2. Pioneers of Petite Sirah: Concannon Vineyard played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing Petite Sirah in the United States. In the early 1900s, the winery recognized the potential of this lesser-known grape variety, and through extensive research and cultivation, they became the first winery to varietally label Petite Sirah. Today, Concannon continues to produce some of the finest Petite Sirah wines, showcasing their expertise and dedication to this unique varietal.

3. Sustainable Farming Practices: One of Concannon Vineyard's noteworthy distinctions is their dedication to sustainable winemaking practices. As early adopters of the Sustainable Winegrowing Program, they are committed to preserving and protecting the local ecosystem and natural resources. From employing organic farming methods to implementing water conservation techniques, Concannon strives to minimize their environmental impact and ensure the sustainability of their vineyards for future generations.

4. Conservancy and Preservation: Beyond sustainable practices, Concannon Vineyard takes pride in their role as stewards of the beautiful Livermore Valley wine region. The winery actively supports the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association and the Livermore Open Space Authority, aiming to preserve the rural charm of the area and protect its scenic landscapes. Concannon's commitment to conservancy extends beyond their vineyards, fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility.

5. Exceptional Wine Offerings: The wines produced at Concannon Vineyard are consistently remarkable, showcasing the winery's passion for crafting wines of exceptional quality and character. From their flagship Conservancy wines to their limited-production, estate-grown reserve wines, each bottle represents the perfect balance between traditional winemaking techniques and modern innovation. The winery's portfolio also includes a diverse range of varietals, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and of course, their renowned Petite Sirah selection.

In conclusion, the combination of Concannon Vineyard's illustrious history, dedication to sustainable practices, commitment to community conservation efforts, and exceptional wine offerings sets it apart from other wineries in the region. It is a winery that cherishes tradition while embracing progress, offering visitors an authentic wine experience filled with depth, quality, and a genuine sense of California winemaking heritage.

What Some Possible Concerns About Concannon Vineyard ?

While the overall consensus is positive when it comes to Concannon Vineyard, there have been a few complaints or areas of improvement that some visitors have mentioned. Here are a few things that some people didn't like about Concannon Vineyard:

1. Limited tasting room experience: Some visitors felt that the tasting room at Concannon Vineyard was small and crowded, especially during peak times. They desired a more spacious and comfortable setting to enjoy their wine tasting experience.

2. Inconsistent service: A few guests reported inconsistent service, with some staff members being attentive and knowledgeable, while others seemed disinterested or inattentive. In such cases, visitors felt that there was room for improvement in terms of customer service.

3. Limited food options: While Concannon Vineyard offers some food options to complement the wine tasting experience, a few visitors wished for a more extensive menu or greater variety in food choices. Some felt that the selection did not adequately meet their dietary preferences or expectations.

4. Noise level: On occasions when Concannon Vineyard hosts events or weddings, some visitors have reported that the noise level can be quite high, detracting from the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere that they desired while enjoying their wine tasting.

5. Lack of vineyard access: Some guests expressed disappointment that public access to the vineyards was limited or restricted. They desired more opportunities to walk through the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process firsthand.

Please note that these criticisms are subjective and may not reflect everyone's experience. It's always recommended for individuals to visit the winery and form their own opinions based on their personal preferences.

Concannon Vineyard History

Concannon Vineyard, located in Livermore Valley, California, is not just a winery with a rich history, but also holds a significant place in the history of winemaking in California. Established in 1883 by James Concannon, it is considered one of the oldest wineries in California that has been continuously operated by the same family.

James Concannon, a remarkable Irish immigrant, first arrived in San Francisco during the Gold Rush era. He soon recognized the potential of the Livermore Valley, known for its diverse microclimates and fertile soils, particularly for grape cultivation. At the time, the valley's wine industry was gaining prominence, and Concannon was inspired to become a part of this fledgling enterprise.

Working closely with renowned viticulturist Eugene Wente, James Concannon introduced new vineyard practices and innovative winemaking techniques that had a lasting impact on California's wine industry. In fact, Concannon Vineyard was the first winery in California to establish a professional research vineyard in 1922. This commitment to research and innovation helped shape the future of winemaking in the region.

During Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), when the production and sale of alcoholic beverages were outlawed, Concannon Vineyard faced challenges like many other wineries. To survive, they shifted their focus to legally producing sacramental wine for religious purposes, allowing them to keep their vineyards alive and protect their heritage.

The end of Prohibition marked a turning point for Concannon Vineyard. In the 1960s, while California's wine industry was experiencing a significant transformation, Concannon stood out. As one of the few wineries that chose to focus on premium varietal wines rather than mass-produced jug wines, Concannon played a vital role in elevating the perception and quality of California wines.

A significant milestone for the winery occurred in 1965 when Concannon Vineyard released California's first-ever varietally-labeled Petite Sirah. This exceptional wine quickly became renowned for its richness and character, opening the door for the varietal's prevalence in the state's wine industry.

In the 1980s, the fourth generation of the Concannon family took the reins of the winery, ensuring its continued success and dedication to producing high-quality wines. They further enhanced the vineyard's reputation by adopting sustainable farming practices, earning Concannon Vineyard certification as a sustainable winery in both the Lodi Rules and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

With over 135 years of winemaking experience, Concannon Vineyard continues to produce exquisite wines rooted in Livermore Valley's rich terroir. They craft a diverse range of varietals, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay, while remaining committed to preserving their historic vineyards and promoting sustainable practices.

Beyond winemaking, Concannon Vineyard has also become a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts. The winery offers tours, tastings, and events that allow visitors to experience the stunning beauty of the vineyards and indulge in the world-class wines produced on-site.

Today, Concannon Vineyard stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Concannon family, their contribution to California winemaking, and their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. It serves as a reminder of the role that early pioneers played in shaping the vibrant and diverse wine culture that exists in California today.