If they could speak, the rocks of Concannon Vineyard would tell a tale rich in history. When James Concannon planted his first vineyards and built the winery in 1883, he established Concannon as a founding family of California wine. Now, with four generations of family involvement, our landmark winery shows our enduring commitment to creating outstanding, award-winning wine.
Concannon Vineyard has a proud history of “Firsts.” Always an industry leader, Concannon is the first successful winery to be founded by an Irish immigrant. When James Concannon planted white Bordeaux cuttings in the late 1800s, we became one of the first wineries to make Bordeaux-style wines in California. In 1950, we hired thefirst professional, female winemaker, Katherine Vajda. In 1961, we introduced America’s First Petite Sirah, sparking a love affair with the variety. Our inaugural vintage was so well-received that we have produced it ever since, and it has become our highly regarded flagship wine. Shortly thereafter, Concannon’s role in the California Cabernet Sauvignon industry became truly historic! From the 1970’s onward, the famous “Concannon Clones 7, 8 & 11” provided the backbone of the huge expansion in Cabernet plantings in California’s premium wine regions as well as in many of Napa’s most prestigious vineyards. California Cabernet, the wine that primarily placed California on the world wine map, was built upon our Concannon Clone vines.
Concannon Vineyard will continue its pioneering role as we juxtapose modern technology with our treasured rocks and vines. To prepare for the next century, we have taken steps to restore and refresh, revitalize and re-root. We have restored our historic redwood tasting room, reusing materials and employing green design wherever possible. We have embraced sustainable vineyard practices and re-rooted historic clones in our estate vineyards. We utilize state-of-the-art technology in our winery to ensure quality. With a focus on renewable energy, we have installed solar panels on 80% of our winery’s roof. All of these efforts are designed with one goal in mind, to create extraordinary wines that would make James Concannon proud.
Double Barrel Wine Bar Double Barrel Wine Bar, which is over a year old, offers award-winning wine and tapas on par with what people expect in cosmopolitan cities like New York or San Francisco- but it is located smack dab in the middle of Downtown Livermore, amongst 53 other wineries in surrounding areas.“Our intention is really to create a warm and welcoming neighborhood vibe that has the best food and the best wine with a globalpalate,” says owner Kristin Armstrong. “We want our bar to be where people can come to relax, connect, and be with the ones they love. It really does become a more modern version of ‘Cheers. ’”
Everything on the tapas menu is made from fresh, locally grown farmers’ market ingredients. The menu is rotated every eight weeks, and a new selection for the fall debuted on Oct. 2. “Everything is made to order, by hand, including all our desserts and award-winning paella,” says Armstrong.
Double Barrel Wine Bar is in a 110-year-old historical building with a 150-seat capacity. Armstrong says that, “You really feel like you’re coming into a private tasting room at the top of a mountain, with a view of hills that resemble our beautiful Tri-Valley wine country.”
In addition to wine and food, Double Barrel Wine Bar also offers live music nightly ranging from jazz to acoustic artists. “People will spontaneously start playing our piano because they’re having such a good time,” says Armstrong. “The back patio is like being in an outdoor living room, earthy and artisan-inspired with fire pits- it’s very relaxing and unique.”
Rachael Snedecor - Livermore Downtown Livermore Downtown is committed to preserving Livermore's historic downtown district as the destination place for Livermore residents who want to eat, drink, shop, gather to meet neighbors, and enjoy cultural activities in their hometown.
Livermore Downtown is a member of the California Main Street Association. Backed by the National Historic Trust and the National Main Street Center, Main Street projects take a holistic approach towards economic development. By promoting historic preservation and downtown merchants, and supporting a coordinated approach to design and development, Main Street projects help towns preserve their past as they revitalize their economic and cultural present — they truly become vibrant hometowns that future generations can enjoy.
Livermore boasts a beautiful downtown area, steeped in history reflecting the cattle and wine industries that created a thriving community. We have a very eclectic selection of restaurants and retail shops offering everything from home decor to gift items, fine wines, and, of course western wear.
Our Annual Wine Country Festival, Certified Farmer's Market, Holiday Parade, and Downtown Halloween Carnival bring people to the center of town year round to celebrate the bounties of our agricultural heritage and spirit of our community.