Larry “The Guru” Perrine

Born and raised among the orange groves of Orange County, California, Larry developed an early fascination with plants and agriculture. He studied soil science at California State Polytechnic University before pursuing advanced studies in soil science and microbiology in Minneapolis.

A growing interest in wine and grape growing led him to Cornell’s graduate program in enology and viticulture, where he began intensive study of Long Island’s soils, climate and wines.

After completing his graduate work in 1985, Larry moved to Long Island’s North Fork to work at Mudd Vineyard. He later became a research viticulturist for Cornell and developed the region’s first formal grape research program. From 1988 to 1994, he made wine at Gristina Vineyards in Cutchogue. His consulting work has since taken him to vineyards and wineries across the Northeast and beyond, and he has taught at Manhattan’s International Wine Center and in the Master of Wine training program.

Larry is widely regarded as one of Long Island’s preeminent experts on viticulture and soil science. His knowledge, passion and incredible generosity as a teacher and advisor earned him the affectionate nickname “The Guru.”

In 1995, he partnered with Walter Channing to help shape the vision for Channing Daughters and served as the CEO of the business for 30 years. In that time, he grew the business from a small family start-up to a respected producer of world-class wines. He also helped to develop the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing program to promote environmental responsibility and stewardship.

Though Larry retired in 2025, he continues to consult and remains an important member of the Channing Daughters family. This place would not exist without him.