Losing Friend in John Concannon

The news of vintner John Concannon’s passing caught me quite off guard, because it really was so unexpected. John Concannon’s passing has left me with a deep sense of sorrow and reflection. His departure from our lives came as a shock, as I had always envisioned him outliving me, considering he was only 65 years old. As I process this loss, I feel compelled to honor the remarkable life of my dear colleague and friend.

With An Eye To The Future

John Concannon was a generation younger than his father, the established Jim Concannon. I recommended John to Laurie Jones when she wondered who should succeed his father, Jim Concannon. It was decided, when that time arrived, John would and did take over, proving to be a really wonderful ambassador. His smile, his sincerity, and his humility were his greatest assets. My time also ended with the then-current owner, The Wine Group, when John slipped into his father’s role.  I had just completed a great 10-year run as a publicist and was ready for my next step elsewhere, too.

PHOTO CREDIT: John Concannon’s images were all taken by Concannon Vineyards.

Deep Sighs

Losing my colleague and friend John Concannon is an adjustment. Along with his only being 65 years young, his legacy has substantially increased the history of Concannon Vineyard. He was always so vibrant and positive, from the very beginning. The current owners of Concannon Vineyard will carry this one forward, and I really enjoyed helping to shape their history. It was an important time for me working with Jim Concannon and seeing ahead of time what John could bring to the table.

Petite Sirah: Jo Diaz photograph

Jim Concannon’s Petite Sirah

After Petite had been cloned by Francois Durif in Montpellier, France, Petite Sirah was shipped to Mission San Jose in 1890. I continue to develop that history, and am inspired to keep Petite Sirah’s legal name spelled as it should be. Concannon Vineyard (through The Wine Group) researched and established that Concannon Winery was the first legal producer of Petite Sirah. It was registered and dated with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) as indisputable history. The TTB has documented Concannon as being the first producer to have “Petite Sirah” on its label, through research.

Jim Concannon’s relationship to Petite Sirah paved the way to John Concannon’s future, due to my own curiosity.

John Concannon, fourth generation vintner of Concannon Vineyards, when asked if his great grandfather knew Charles McIver responded with the following: “What our family knows is that when Ellen and James first came to establish their home in Livermore Valley, in 1882-1883, Mission San Jose was the parish that the family belonged to. This is because it was the closest church/parish in the area.

Next Came John Concannon

The Celebration of Concannon’s Cabernet Sauvignon Clones

And John’s Cabernets

From curiosity, I researched their Cabernet Sauvignon Clones 7, 8, and 11. And then wrote about my findings on my blog, “Celebrating Cabernet Sauvignon with Concannon Vineyard’s Major Cab Contributions.” From what I had learned, I decided that Clone 7 was my choice for its flavors and character. I’m known to have a Champagne appetite, and that’s my best explanation. Most wine companies purchase Clone 8, because it’s so prolific. The Wine Group got right on it, switching gears away from Jim’s message, “We are the first,” to John’s message, “You can all thank us for your Cab clones.” It was a perfect segue… Jim with his Petite Sirahs, to John with his Cabernet Sauvignons.

What now, I ask, while I continue to miss you, John Concannon?

Eternal Peace

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Written by Jo Diaz, a partner of Diaz Communications, who is helping to make stars realize their dreams. Edited by partner Jose Diaz. To reprint, please contact Jo Diaz: [email protected]