Second low-interest loan to support vineyard replanting in Livermore Valley’s historic winegrowing region
April 21, 2026 (Livermore, CA) — Tri-Valley Conservancy (TVC) announced its second Sponsored Replanting Program loan to support vineyard replanting at the historic Concannon Vineyard property, one of the oldest and most iconic winegrowing sites in Livermore Valley.
Originally established in 1883, Concannon Vineyard is one of the region’s legacy properties. Under new ownership as of November 2024, the property is undergoing a significant revitalization effort focused on restoring both its agricultural productivity and historic significance.
“Viticulture is core to the region’s identity, ecology, and economy,” said Rebecca Spector, executive director of Tri-Valley Conservancy. “This project at Concannon represents exactly the kind of long-term investment our region needs. It reflects a deep commitment to preserving both the land and the legacy of winemaking in Livermore Valley.”
The loan from TVC will support the first phase of a multi-year replanting plan totaling 150 acres. This year, approximately 48 acres will be replanted, including 28 acres of Cabernet Franc across four clones and 20 acres of Sauvignon Blanc, which are varietals identified as well-suited to Livermore’s terroir. The replanting project represents a major investment in the future of Livermore Valley viticulture.
“We’re the current caretakers of a Livermore treasure,” said Tom Lemmons, who along with his wife Paige Lemmons, is the owner of Lemmons Family Vineyards and the sole owners of the historic Concannon Estate and Winery. “We want to bring Concannon back to the original glory, and then some. And we’re willing to do whatever it takes to restore and preserve the property. A lot of people in the loan industry talk a big game… hats off to TVC for delivering on their promise and helping make this project possible.”
TVC’s Sponsored Replanting Program was created to give winegrape growers a viable path forward, offering 15-year, low-interest loans of up to $15,000 per acre to support replanting in strategic varietals. The program is open to landowners with conservation easements through TVC and is funded by TVC, with loan servicing support from California FarmLink, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) supporting farmers across California. The Concannon project is the second loan awarded through TVC’s Sponsored Replanting Program, following an award earlier this year to local grower Scott Burkhart of Thatcher Bay Vineyards.
Beyond vineyard replanting, the new owners of Concannon Vineyard are planning a broader restoration of the property. These improvements aim to bring renewed energy to one of the region’s most storied sites while supporting agritourism and local economic activity. Plans also include the addition of new event spaces designed to host weddings, corporate gatherings, and community celebrations, expanding opportunities for visitors to experience the historic estate in new ways while strengthening Livermore Valley’s growing wine country destination.
For more information about how TVC’s Sponsored Replanting Program is supporting local winegrowers, visit trivalleyconservancy.org or contact TVC at info@trivalleyconservancy.org.
About Tri-Valley Conservancy
Tri-Valley Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust based in Livermore, CA, protecting more than 6,100 acres across the Tri-Valley region. Our mission is to promote economically sustainable vineyards and orchards, and increase permanently protected, biologically diverse open spaces. Through conservation easements, land stewardship, education, advocacy and outreach, TVC supports a Tri-Valley region where agricultural, range and park lands are preserved and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations. https://www.trivalleyconservancy.org/
Concannon Vineyard is open daily for tastings and experiences in the heart of Livermore Valley Wine Country. Guests can explore the historic estate, enjoy guided tastings of award-winning wines, and learn about the vineyard’s pioneering role in California wine history. To plan a visit or explore upcoming events, visit concannon.wine. For information about joining the wine club and the new member benefits coming soon, please contact Wine Club Manager Kelsea Rounds at wineclub@concannonvineyards.com.
