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Business & Tech

Jim Concannon: Father of Petite Sirah

Monique Soltani sits down with Livermore's living legend.

It might be best known as the little grape that could.

Jim Concannon, however, made Petite Sirah the little grape that would and did. 

This year Petite Sirah celebrates its 50th birthday with a bash big enough to make even this great grape's deep purple skin blush.

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In this week's , finds out firsthand from its founding father how America's Petite Sirah got its roots.

Weekend events:

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Saturday

“Petite Sirah on the Rails:” An Historic Train Journey Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Petite Sirah
Train leaves Niles Station: 3:30 p.m. 
Train disembarks at 5:30 p.m.
Ticket price: $45
Featuring a history of the railway, a retrospective on Petite Sirah by fourth-generation vintner John Concannon and a tasting of Petite Sirahs from the Livermore Valley producers paired with hors d'oeuvres:
Tickets: www.ncry.org and localwineevents.com


Saturday

“A Celebration of Livermore's Shining Star: Petite Sirah!”
At McGrail Vineyards, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
A Petite Sirah wine tasting and dinner featuring Livermore Petite Sirahs and a special appearance by honored guest Jim Concannon.

Sample past and present vintages of Petite Sirah while enjoying paired appetizers, live music, buffet and a panoply of Petite Sirahs.

Wine tasting: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., a grand Petite Sirah tasting, accompanied by hors d’oeuvres, featuring these wineries: Bent Creek, Concannon, Charles R, Eagle Ridge, Fenestra, Garre, Little Valley, McGrail, Mitchell Katz, Nottingham Cellars, Occasio, Page Mill, Ruby Hill, Thomas Coyne and Wente.
Buffet dinner and desserts: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Ticket price: $75. Proceeds will be donated to Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association.
Tickets for “A Celebration of Livermore's Shining Star: Petite Sirah!” are available at www.mcgrailvineyards.com/events.html

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