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# Jim Concannon, California Winemaking Pioneer, Dead at 95
- URL: https://bevnews.net/jim-concannon-california-winemaking-pioneer-dead-at-95/
- Published: 2026-10-20T10:57:40.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-20T10:57:40.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Concannon Vineyard, OPbituaries

A native of Livermore, Calif., Jim Concannon in 1961 became the first winemaker to commercially bottle Petite Sirah as a varietal wine, earning him the title “Father of Petite Sirah.” He died Friday (10/17) at 95 years old.

He also contributed to UC Davis’s Cabernet Sauvignon clonal selection program, helping propagate vines that led to Cabernet Sauvignon clones now widely planted throughout California. Jim later transitioned into marketing and traveled across the country to share the Concannon name and his family’s winemaking heritage.

Beyond the vineyard, Jim devoted himself to the Livermore community. A longtime member of St. Michael Church, he served on the parish board. He was an active Rotarian, served on the Alameda County Zone 7 Water Agency Board for 25 years, and was honored to participate as the Grand Marshal of multiple Livermore Rodeos. He also served on several wine industry boards, including the Wine Advisory Board, and was a founding board member of the Tri-Valley Conservancy Land Trust in 1994.

**Survivors:** His beloved wife of 66 years, Helen; his children, Mary Lessard (Scott), Anna Marie Moore (Ken), and Paul Concannon (Robin); three grandchildren, Shannon Lessard Merry (Bradley), Eric Lessard, and Kyle Moore; his sister, Nina Radisch (Jack)His eldest son, John Concannon, died in 2025.

**Services:** A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Livermore. A private family graveside interment will follow. A Celebration of Life will be held by invitation only.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael School or St. Michael Catholic Church in Livermore.