Army West Point Athletics
Concannon Vineyard Named the First Preferred Wine in Army West Point Athletics’ 224-Year History
August 25, 2026 | Athletics
Two historic American institutions unite through a shared commitment to leadership, service, and excellence.
LIVERMORE, Calif. — Concannon Vineyard, one of California's pioneering wineries, is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Army West Point Athletics as the first Preferred Wine Partner in its 224-year history.
More than a sponsorship, the partnership brings together two historic American institutions united by a shared commitment to leadership, service, stewardship, and excellence.
"For our family, this partnership makes perfect sense," said Tom Lemmons, Owner of Concannon Vineyard and former U.S. Army Aviator. "You have one of the oldest and most prestigious athletic programs, Army West Point, partnering with one of the oldest and most award-winning wineries in American history, Concannon. The Lemmons and Concannon families have served this great nation in combat through World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. Both of our families are honored and humbled by this opportunity and by this first-of-its-kind partnership."
The connection between Concannon and military service reaches back more than a century.
Captain Joseph S. Concannon, who led the winery after founder James Concannon, served in the U.S. Army before returning home to lead the family winery and Livermore's National Guard company. During World War II, he was recognized by the United States Marine Corps for his contributions to military recruiting, reflecting a lifetime of service to both country and community.
Today, that tradition continues under Tom Lemmons. During his military career, Lemmons flew combat assault and medevac missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, earning the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with Valor, and multiple Air Medals for leadership and lifesaving missions. Since becoming steward of Concannon Vineyard, he and his wife Paige have remained deeply committed to supporting the Livermore community, including local first responders, the Livermore Rodeo, and organizations that strengthen the region they proudly call home.
"Concannon's history of not only serving our country, but supporting others who do the same, makes them a terrific partner for Army West Point Athletics," said Tom Theodorakis, Army West Point Director of Athletics. "Our alignment on supporting the current and future leaders of our American military services created a natural connection between two distinguished brands."
Founded in 1883, Concannon Vineyard has helped shape American winemaking for more than 140 years. From pioneering Bordeaux varietals in California to preserving the historic Cabernet Sauvignon vines that would become the renowned Concannon Clones, the winery has continually balanced innovation with a deep respect for its heritage.
As the Preferred Wine of Army West Point Athletics, Concannon looks forward to creating memorable experiences for alumni, supporters, and fans while honoring the enduring legacy of two historic American institutions.
The partnership between Concannon Vineyard and Army West Point Athletics was facilitated by Army West Point Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield and exclusive multimedia rights holder for the Black Knights.
About Lemmons Family Vineyards
Lemmons Family Vineyards is the owner of Concannon Vineyard, one of Livermore Valley's historic wineries founded in 1883 and recognized as a Registered California Historical Landmark. The winery played a defining role in shaping California's modern wine industry, including the development of Cabernet Sauvignon clones 7, 8, and 11 in collaboration with UC Davis, which today are estimated to account for nearly 80% of California Cabernet Sauvignon plantings.
Led by Tom and Paige Lemmons, the family is deeply rooted in the Livermore Valley community and committed to stewarding the historic estate while investing in the future of Livermore Valley wine. Recently, Lemmons Family Vineyards acquired the respected Livermore Valley winery Cuda Ridge Wines, further strengthening its commitment to producing exceptional Bordeaux-style wines in the region.
The family is also undertaking a major vineyard revitalization program, replanting nearly 50 acres of estate vineyards to Livermore Valley's signature varieties, including Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, as part of a long-term vision to elevate the region's distinctive wines for generations to come.
Alongside these vineyard investments, the Lemmons family has also restored and reimagined the estate's Event Center, introducing new spaces for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate gatherings, further establishing Concannon as a destination for memorable experiences in the heart of Livermore Valley wine country.
The Concannon tasting room is located at 4590 Tesla Road in Livermore and is open daily; guests can learn more or plan their visit at https://concannon.wine/
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
Army West Point Athletic Association, Inc. (AWPAA)
AWPAA is an IRS code 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to execute the United States Military Academy's intercollegiate athletics program. AWPAA is led by a board of directors that provides guidance to the director of athletics, who serves as the primary advisor to the USMA Superintendent and the USMA leadership on all NCAA operations. The AWPAA mission is to recruit, educate, train and inspire leaders of character who are committed to the Army values through an extraordinary Division I athletic experience.
More than a sponsorship, the partnership brings together two historic American institutions united by a shared commitment to leadership, service, stewardship, and excellence.
"For our family, this partnership makes perfect sense," said Tom Lemmons, Owner of Concannon Vineyard and former U.S. Army Aviator. "You have one of the oldest and most prestigious athletic programs, Army West Point, partnering with one of the oldest and most award-winning wineries in American history, Concannon. The Lemmons and Concannon families have served this great nation in combat through World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. Both of our families are honored and humbled by this opportunity and by this first-of-its-kind partnership."
The connection between Concannon and military service reaches back more than a century.
Captain Joseph S. Concannon, who led the winery after founder James Concannon, served in the U.S. Army before returning home to lead the family winery and Livermore's National Guard company. During World War II, he was recognized by the United States Marine Corps for his contributions to military recruiting, reflecting a lifetime of service to both country and community.
Today, that tradition continues under Tom Lemmons. During his military career, Lemmons flew combat assault and medevac missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, earning the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with Valor, and multiple Air Medals for leadership and lifesaving missions. Since becoming steward of Concannon Vineyard, he and his wife Paige have remained deeply committed to supporting the Livermore community, including local first responders, the Livermore Rodeo, and organizations that strengthen the region they proudly call home.
"Concannon's history of not only serving our country, but supporting others who do the same, makes them a terrific partner for Army West Point Athletics," said Tom Theodorakis, Army West Point Director of Athletics. "Our alignment on supporting the current and future leaders of our American military services created a natural connection between two distinguished brands."
Founded in 1883, Concannon Vineyard has helped shape American winemaking for more than 140 years. From pioneering Bordeaux varietals in California to preserving the historic Cabernet Sauvignon vines that would become the renowned Concannon Clones, the winery has continually balanced innovation with a deep respect for its heritage.
As the Preferred Wine of Army West Point Athletics, Concannon looks forward to creating memorable experiences for alumni, supporters, and fans while honoring the enduring legacy of two historic American institutions.
The partnership between Concannon Vineyard and Army West Point Athletics was facilitated by Army West Point Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield and exclusive multimedia rights holder for the Black Knights.
About Lemmons Family Vineyards
Lemmons Family Vineyards is the owner of Concannon Vineyard, one of Livermore Valley's historic wineries founded in 1883 and recognized as a Registered California Historical Landmark. The winery played a defining role in shaping California's modern wine industry, including the development of Cabernet Sauvignon clones 7, 8, and 11 in collaboration with UC Davis, which today are estimated to account for nearly 80% of California Cabernet Sauvignon plantings.
Led by Tom and Paige Lemmons, the family is deeply rooted in the Livermore Valley community and committed to stewarding the historic estate while investing in the future of Livermore Valley wine. Recently, Lemmons Family Vineyards acquired the respected Livermore Valley winery Cuda Ridge Wines, further strengthening its commitment to producing exceptional Bordeaux-style wines in the region.
The family is also undertaking a major vineyard revitalization program, replanting nearly 50 acres of estate vineyards to Livermore Valley's signature varieties, including Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, as part of a long-term vision to elevate the region's distinctive wines for generations to come.
Alongside these vineyard investments, the Lemmons family has also restored and reimagined the estate's Event Center, introducing new spaces for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate gatherings, further establishing Concannon as a destination for memorable experiences in the heart of Livermore Valley wine country.
The Concannon tasting room is located at 4590 Tesla Road in Livermore and is open daily; guests can learn more or plan their visit at https://concannon.wine/
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
Army West Point Athletic Association, Inc. (AWPAA)
AWPAA is an IRS code 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to execute the United States Military Academy's intercollegiate athletics program. AWPAA is led by a board of directors that provides guidance to the director of athletics, who serves as the primary advisor to the USMA Superintendent and the USMA leadership on all NCAA operations. The AWPAA mission is to recruit, educate, train and inspire leaders of character who are committed to the Army values through an extraordinary Division I athletic experience.
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