Concannon Vineyard, a 230-acre estate winery and vineyard founded in 1883, has been acquired by Lemmons Family Vineyards LLC and Darcie Kent Winery LLC, marking the next chapter in the winery’s rich history. The property, located in Livermore, California, was previously owned by The Wine Group LLC since 2004, though the purchase price has not been disclosed.
The acquisition signifies a new era for one of Livermore Valley’s most iconic wineries. According to John Sutton, CEO of The Wine Group, the decision to sell was in alignment with the company’s long-term strategic goals. “The sale of Concannon supports our continuous focus on refining our portfolio,” Sutton said. “We’re proud to have been part of Concannon’s storied legacy and are pleased to pass it along to local winegrowers who share our commitment to preserving and advancing the brand’s history in the Livermore Valley Wine Community.”
Tom and Paige Lemmons, lifelong Livermore residents and owners of Lemmons Family Vineyards, are optimistic about the future of Concannon. “We plan to phase out the international bottling operations and refocus on the historic varietals that made Livermore famous, such as Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc,” said Tom Lemmons. “We also want to honor Concannon’s groundbreaking work with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah while reintroducing organic farming practices. Additionally, we envision repurposing the 60,000 square-foot bottling pavilion as the Livermore Valley Wine Country Center, which will offer space for small family wineries and enhance visitor amenities. This concept, originally envisioned with the creation of the Agricultural Preserve in 1991, has yet to be fully realized, but we aim to change that.”
The acquisition of Concannon also reflects a historical parallel, as both Tom Lemmons and the winery’s founder, Capt. Joe Concannon, share military backgrounds. Tom Lemmons served over 20 years as an Army Captain, commanding Blackhawk helicopter units in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Similarly, Capt. Joe Concannon led the winery after returning from military service in the U.S. Cavalry under General John Pershing and Lieutenant George Patton.
David and Darcie Kent, owners of Darcie Kent Estate Winery, will manage the winery’s operations. “We are incredibly grateful to The Wine Group for their efforts in restoring the historic redwood winery,” said David Kent. “Their work provides a solid foundation for us to build upon, and we are committed to preserving the hospitality and tasting experience that visitors have come to love at Concannon.”
The Kents are also expanding their vision for the Concannon estate. Their second winery, Almost Famous Wine Company, will relocate to the former headquarters building of The Wine Group by mid-2025. The winery will install state-of-the-art equipment to produce and bottle ultra-premium sparkling wine, adding a new dimension to the Concannon property. Furthermore, they plan to offer much-needed custom crush and storage capacity for local winegrowers, expanding the winery’s role in supporting the regional wine industry.
Family values will be at the heart of the operation as both the Lemmons and Kent families bring multiple generations of leadership to the table. John Godkin, Tom Lemmons’ father-in-law, played a key role in completing the acquisition. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with local officials and the Tri-Valley Conservancy as we move forward with our plans,” said Godkin. “This is an exciting time, and we’re eager to build on the foundation laid by the Concannon family and take the brand into the future.”
Concannon Vineyard has long been a cornerstone of Livermore Valley’s wine industry, and with new, local ownership, the winery is set to continue its legacy while embracing the future. The Lemmons and Kents are committed to honoring Concannon’s history while revitalizing the estate and expanding its reach, ensuring its place at the heart of California’s wine culture for years to come.
