Concannon Vineyard embarks on new era under local ownership

One of California’s most historic wineries, Concannon Vineyard, has entered a new chapter with its acquisition by Lemmons Family Vineyards LLC and Darcie Kent Winery LLC. Founded in 1883, the 230-acre estate has long been a cornerstone of Livermore Valley’s winemaking heritage. The transaction, facilitated by Colliers International, was completed with undisclosed financial terms.

Under its new ownership, the vision for Concannon Vineyard is steeped in reverence for its storied past while charting a bold course for its future. The Wine Group LLC, which owned the property since 2004, described the sale as part of its strategic efforts to refine its portfolio. Chief Executive John Sutton stated that while The Wine Group was proud of its stewardship of Concannon, it was time for local winegrowers to carry the legacy forward.

Tom and Paige Lemmons, longtime Livermore residents and owners of Lemmons Family Vineyards, outlined their ambitious plans for the estate. They intend to phase out international bottling operations and focus on replanting the vineyards with historic varietals like Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, which first brought fame to Livermore’s wine industry in the late 19th century. Alongside this, the Lemmons aim to revitalise Concannon’s legacy in Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah while introducing organic farming practices across the estate.

One of the Lemmons’ most significant proposals is to transform the 60,000-square-foot bottling pavilion into the Livermore Valley Wine Country Center. This facility would house small family wineries and offer visitor-focused amenities to boost wine tourism in the region. Tom Lemmons, a retired U.S. Army Captain, drew parallels between his leadership and that of Capt. Joe Concannon, who once guided the winery after serving in the U.S. Cavalry.

Darcie Kent Winery will manage winery operations, preserving the renowned hospitality of the Concannon tasting room. The team announced plans to relocate its Almost Famous Wine Company to the former headquarters of The Wine Group by mid-2025, equipping the facility with state-of-the-art sparkling wine production capabilities. Darcie Kent expressed gratitude for The Wine Group’s restoration of Concannon’s facilities and underscored their commitment to maintaining the estate’s rich visitor experience.

The new owners’ collective focus is on preserving the vineyard’s legacy while fostering innovation. Discussions with city officials and regional stakeholders are already underway to align the property’s evolution with Livermore Valley’s broader agricultural and tourism goals.

Concannon Vineyard’s future is now in the hands of two deeply invested families, whose efforts aim to cement its role as a pillar of the Livermore Valley Wine Community. The estate’s historical significance, combined with the families’ modern vision, sets the stage for an exciting transformation that honours its past while looking boldly ahead.