Charles Rutherford Meeker III
June 17, 1942 – February 18, 2021
We have some very sad news to share today. Last week Charles Rutherford Meeker III—Charlie to most—passed away after 78 unparalleled years. He leaves behind his wife Molly, his children Kelly and Lucas, and grandchildren Canyon, Madison, Delaney, and Kai. He was preceded in death by his parents Doris and Charles, his brother Michael, and his daughters Michelle and Melissa.
After he told you about the family he was so proud of, he would have told you that he was a winemaker, an attorney, and a film producer (and in that order). But to those around him he was an insatiable learner, an engaging storyteller, and a warm soul with a kind heart. His life was defined by a few simple, powerful things: effort, generosity, honor, and adventure.
Charlie was born in Dallas, Texas in 1942 to Charles Rutherford Meeker, Jr. and Doris Shaw Meeker. His father was a wine lover and a pioneer in the Texas entertainment business—leading the Dallas Summer Musicals from 1944 to 1961 and entertainment at then-new Six Flags Over Texas. Charlie learned many lessons from his father when he worked with him at the musicals during his summer break; but after a late night closing the theater Charlie’s dad would open a bottle of Burgundy and share his passion for classic French wines—an uncommon thing in Texas at that time.
Folks these days mainly know Charlie through The Meeker Vineyard, the vineyard-turned-winery he founded with his wife Molly in 1977. But before devoting himself to winemaking full time, Charlie also had a rich career in the entertainment business.
After graduating from Princeton University and University of Texas Law School, Charlie moved to Los Angeles to clerk for Judge Walter Ely. He joined O’Melveny & Myers and rose to partner working in the business and later the entertainment divisions. In the 1980’s, he co-founded Feldman/Meeker Entertainment and produced major motion pictures for nearly a decade (his favorites were The Hitcher, Near Dark, Golden Child, and Hot Dog: The Movie!). He returned to entertainment law as a partner at White & Case, where he successfully represented Credit Lyonnais in their effort to regain control of Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Charlie then served as MGM’s President from 1991-93, overseeing MGM’s transition to stable financial footing.
Through many of these accomplishments, Charlie was splitting time between his career in Los Angeles and the winery in Dry Creek Valley. After a few more years in LA, Charlie and Molly ended their dual life and finally moved to Sonoma County full-time in 1999. Charlie further poured himself into his winemaking; expanding production, experimenting with extended aging and tannin development, and developing a cryogenic dessert wine process unique to Meeker.
While he accomplished many things in his “previous life”, Charlie’s true passion was winemaking. His adventure in winemaking and the people and places it shared with him brought him incredible joy. Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma County—along with its people and wine industry—were woven into his soul; he saw his place here as a serendipitous, unmatched gift and the opportunity to make its wines a glorious privilege.
The winery, its team, and community will miss Charlie dearly; but his winemaking ethos lives on at Meeker and with the winemakers he helped, inspired, and shared with along the way. His tireless drive to experiment, refine, improve, and explore yielded over 30 vintages of wines that tell a story of eternal optimism, boundless curiosity, and chasing greatness. He loved making wine and he loved sharing it.
He will be incredibly missed around the world, but nowhere more so than with his family and in his winery.
He was a wonderful entertaining winemaker. We will never forget the wine dinners he hosted with Molly at silver Lake Country Club.
I had the pleasure of speaking to him the several times I stopped by; I always felt welcomed by his words. My thoughts are with you and his family. May his memory be a blessing
Molly, Lucas, Kelly–I am so sorry. As a longtime (from the teepee days) Tribe member, I have benefited from what Charlie wrought, and everyone I ever brought to Meeker became a fan. A magnificent life, and I know how much you will miss him. Take good care.
We are both shocked and saddened by the passing of our dear friend Charlie. We have been Tribe members for so many years that we feel like we’re part of the Meeker family. We are glad we saw Charlie a month ago and he was happy and looked great. He was a remarkable man. We will toast Charlie tonight with a glass of Four Kings. Our condolences to Molly, Kelly and Lucas and the rest of the wonderful Meeker family. We love you.
Ed and Misa
So sorry to hear this sad news. We always enjoyed talking with Charlie every time we stopped in any of the tasting rooms. Charlie was always good for a laugh or a bit of his brilliant advice. A toast to you my friend!
My prayers are with the family at this time. I know Charlie is in heaven looking down on you. He will always be in our hearts. Friends forever.
Our condolences. He was a great guy & winemaker extraordinaire! Meeting him and y’all way back when, in the teepee and becoming a member of the tribe, high points for us ‘kids’ in the early years.
Carry on his legacy. He deserves it.
We are so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was a wonderful person.
Praying for Molly, Kelly and Lucas
Molly, Kelly, & Lucas, As a long-time Tribe member (I remember the tasting teepee!) I’m sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was always a delight to talk to about a variety of subjects, but most of all wine & family. My most sincere condolences to you all. I haven’t had a chance to meet the next generation of Meekers yet, but maybe in a post-Covid world I’ll be able to come tell you how much Meeker means to me & how integral Charlie was to that experience. Sending you love from Oakland!
The world has lost a wonderful part of it. We loved listening to his many stories, and spending time with him. His wine is spectacular. My he RIP. Charlie will be missed. To Charlie’s family my you find peace and we are sorry for your loss.
Oh Charlie! It was your wine that turned me into a wine drinker. The best meal we have ever had was the meal with you at the restaurant next door. Your wine pairings brought out tastes we never knew existed. Thank you for sharing your passion for wine with us. We are so very sad today, but promise to always smile when we think of you.
RIP…Charlie Meeker I am so glad that I had met you on my trip out to Santa Rosa California. Even though we were cousins separated by 250 years you still treated me as family. God bless you. Your wine is outstanding and I hope your family carries out the tradition.
Molly, Kelly and Lucas Jack and I are so sorry to hear of Charlies passing. We will never forget our first visit to the tasting room and the friendship of everyone at Meekers.Since we have moved back to kentucky we have missed youall. You have our prayers, Charlie was a very special man and will be missed by all.sending healing love to all of you.
We are saddened by this news. Charlie was a wonderful host alongside of producing some great wines. Our love and thoughts to all family and friends at this of grief.
Molly, Lucas, and Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. I will always remember his warmth, humor, and gentle spirit. My deepest condolences.
I haven’t seen seen you all in a while, but am sending you a big hug and wishes for peace and strength in this difficult time. Hoping to see you soon.
This is some of the saddest news of a very sad year. Charlie was a true original, and yet he had a knack for treating you like an equal, a friend, and a confidante even when you only saw him every year or two. I never came away from a conversation with Charlie on anything but an up note.
Very sad to hear the news. Meeker holds a special place in my heart, and always will. RIP Charlie.
Our sincere condolences to Charlie’s family and close friends. We first met Charlie when collecting a dozen cases of cab in 1994 for our daughter’s wedding, and have been Meeker fans and frequent visitors ever since. He lived a remarkable life, which we share in celebrating even as we join you in mourning his loss.
We met Charlie two years ago at his wine tasting venue. We were lucky to have our large bottle of Merlot signed by him. We also had a photo with him. RIP Charlie.
We have always enjoyed our visits to the winery, and are saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was a warm, fun, and knowledgeable guy, and one hell of a wine maker. He will be missed.
We too are shocked and saddened at the loss. Tho we got to know Molly better during the early ‘Teepee & incense’ years & bribing Lucas to Leave B.H. with a trail bike, we met him after his move and understand his influence in making Meeker what it is today. A irreplaceable person for his family, his winery and the industry. Best to Molly, Lucas and Kelly.
Our condolences to the Meeker family. When my husband & I traveled to California, one of our favorite stops was at Meeker. We have been wine members and always, always love every wine delivered to our doorstep. A couple of years ago we stopped in with our friend from Santa Rosa. We left 3 hours later. What an interesting, intelligent, and entertaining individual. What great memories we have.
I have the best memories of Charlie & I sitting together in the front of the store. He told me his life story while I sampled ALL of the wines! I bought several bottles, had lunch to sober up and went back for more. I told him I need more wine to take back home to Florida! He will be dearly missed and I will treasure my signed handprint bottle!❤️
Cheers to you Charlie!????
We too are shocked and saddened by the families, friends and industries loss of a gentle giant of a person. We also began our relationship in the ‘Teepee & Incense’ days with Molly before luring Lucas with the bribe of a trail bike and eventually the whole family. May peace and love console all in these days of trial.
We have very fond memories of our first visit to the teepee. Been enjoying Meeker wines ever since. Even have a [empty now]handprint Merlot that Charlie identified as being his “signature” based on the colors used. Our fondest memory was our last visit to the vault when we stayed way longer than planned due to Charlie’s entertaining and enjoyable company that day. We’ll be pulling a Meeker from the cellar to toast him this evening.
Wow. One of those people you just felt were immortal. I so enjoyed our visits together. So humble, full of amazing information and stories. I always love to tell the story on how I met him. Charlie used to have an office on Corporate Center Parkway. One day he walked into my office, somehow bypassing reception, and sat on my couch. I was busy at my desk so he caught me off guard. I said, “Can I help you?” He smiled and asked if we worked on movies, which we do, so I applied in the affirmative. He said he had worked on movies too, and based on him being a big strong guy, I figured he had been a grip on set, so I asked him what he did. He said so nonchalantly that he had been the president of MGM Studios. Mic drop. Needless to say his wine joined me on all future Los Angeles studio trips as a gift to all the executives down there. They loved it!
We became fast friends, and I enjoyed several lunches and visits afterwards. Not enough though, always had one out there for him when his schedule freed up. Sorry to have missed it. He was a good man, a patient listener, an amazing story teller, and had a great laugh. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends. One of the good ones, no– the BEST ones, gone too soon. Blessings and love, Eric
The entire Meeker family has always been wonderful to its tribe members including us. We remember with big smiles the day we discovered the Meeker Tasting Room on a trip to Sonoma after visiting Chalk Hill Winery for the day. We switched our allegiance and joined the Meeker tribe that same day! Our thoughts and prayers are with Molly, Kelly and Lucas and the entire Meeker family. A life well lived Charlie!
Oh my, this wonderful man will be sorely missed. There was more energy, passion, and love for life packed into the sizable frame that was Charlie. I was fortunate among many others to be able to sit mesmerized by the stories that Charlie could spin. Molly is the consummate cook, but it was Charlie who served up the “food for thought” around the most friendly winery in Sonoma County.
So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. We have been tribe members for many years and always enjoyed the Tribe parties! Actually meeting Charlie at the Bank tasting room on our last trip to Sonoma was a great treat. He offered to get us a tour of the winery and called Lucas to set it up for the next day. Lucas spent about an hour and a half with us. Meeting Molly and the dog was awesome also! Living in Georgia doesn’t provide enough opportunities as we would like to visit Meeker. We often relive the tour and meeting Charlie as we drink our wine club selections. He was one of a kind and so generous with his time and will be greatly missed!
Charlie always had something to say and I always had something to learn. We lost a great storyteller and teacher.
Molly, Lucas and family,
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Charlie had a spectacular life and he was an amazing person, so warm and charming. I am just so sad the world will be missing him now. I am wishing you all warmth and comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and best wishes are with you all.
I offer my condolences to all of you from chilly Wisconsin. Meeker wine has been part of my life for almost 25 years, and the notes from “El Jefe” in the newsletters as the bottles came my way, always illuminated some aspect of the wine, the grapes, or the land. Those notes were infused with Charlie’s love for those three and so much more. I’ll open a bottle of Meeker tonight (just not sure which one yet), and toast to Charlie and all the good he has done!
Kelly, Lucas, and Molly, I am very sorry for your loss. It was wonderful to be invited into the winery and be given a tour by Charlie himself. Of all the wineries I have visited over the years, Meeker is by far my favorite and the only wine club of which I am a member. I’m very proud of what Charlie and Molly built, and am grateful for the hospitality and down-to-earth nature of this special place. Peace be with you!
We enjoyed meeting Charlie at the old bank building tasting location in 2007 as I had heard of him earlier and wanted to visit. He personally signed and gave our north Texas Meeker family a special bottle hand signed by him to commemorate the day that we have kept to this day as a special treasure. From the Bill Meeker family in North Texas to everyone there, we are very sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. God bless you all.
Having been brought to The Tribe by Tod & Peter, we always loved running into Charlie at the tasting room. We love our handprint bottles and I always think there’s a bit of magic in putting my hands on the paint. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We will miss him
I am very sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Wanda and I offer our condolences to Molly, Lucas and the family. He was a great guy and a welcoming presence in the tasting room.
Rich Holmer
My sincere condolences. I’m a original teepee member and met Charlie one time. He was robust, like my favorite Meeker reds! Please know Charlie’s impact on people was vast and long lasting. He will be remembered.
He will be missed. What a great legacy he built. I remember my first Meeker experience in the Tee-Pee and my lesson to never walk around with an empty wine glass. Great memories. My condolences to the Meeker family.
I was fortunate to meet Charlie a year ago on February 22,2020. My wife and I spent over two hours getting to know him in the tasting room. He was genuinely interested in us and when he found out l was a physician he asked lots of questions and shared his gratitude towards the entire medical profession. It was my privilege to shake the hand behind the “Handprint!”
My late husband & I had the pleasure of being seated next to Charlie & Molly at a winemaker dinner many years ago. We were impressed with his warmth and humbleness … and enjoyed the wine too. We always recommended a visit to the Meeker tasting room in Geyserville when guests came to visit. My condolences to the family on the loss of such a big presence.
We have such loving memories of Charlie and your family. Welcomed like long lost friends each time we visited from Illinois. Even helping celebrate one of our dear friend’s 50th birthday with a loooong afternoon of stories and treats. We will never forget him. Our prayers for peace are with you all. He will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss Molly, Lucas & Kelly. We have enjoyed talking with Charlie for so many years…the teepee days! ????????
We will miss Charlie’s stories & his ability to keep us entertained.
He was an amazing man & talented winemaker!
Sending your family so much love and prayers during this time.
I had the pleasure of stopping in the store in August of ‘19. I think I just missed meeting him by 10 minutes. My family and I were driving from SF to Willits and I had called my Dad to check in. He asked me if I was visiting Meeker Winery. He knew about it from another Meeker. I mapped it and it was on our way! We made it there just before it closed for a mini tasting, buying some wine and pictures. It was one of the highlights of my trip to visit something with my name on it!
Hoping all of your memories will give you peace.
I knew Charlie back in Dallas during high school days. I dropped by the office & we visited. I would order their wines on a regular basis. As their wines became more available in Dallas I would then buy here. My favorite was Four Kings being a red wine lover. Will miss him!!
I knew Charlie from high school days in Dallas. While in Sonoma County I dropped by & had a nice visit a few years back. We will miss Charlie.
With deepest sympathy to his fine family,
Fred Turner
I had the pleasure of talking with Charlie a few times on the telephone and in the fall of 2020 I was on a Meeker Vineyard Zoom session with him. On our 20th wedding anniversary (May 1996) Joan and I visited the Meeker Vineyard. Over the years the Meeker Vineyard wine just gets better and better. I am sure he will be missed but he has left the winery in very good hands. Our prayers go out to friends, family, Molly, Lucas, and Kelly. May God Bless each of you and wrap His loving arms around each of you!
What sad news – but joy-filled memories of many visits, starting with the teepee. Charlie always had a big smile and special stories. As long-time tribe members, we have enjoyed your fabulous wines on special occasions, in numerous settings and states, and on ordinary days when we needed a lift.
We know Lucas will continue the amazing tradition and look forward to being part of the Meeker family for years to come. Our hearts and prayers are with Molly and the family as you celebrate Charlie’s life.
Molly, Lucas & Kelly. We are so sorry for your loss. Charlie was such a joyful person to be around and always put smiles on people’s faces. We were proud to have known Charlie and we were fortunate that Charlie gave us the opportunity to grown grape for the Meeker label.
We are so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was one of the good , down to earth guys who could always entertain you with his stories and ALWAYS made you feel like you were one of the family. Our condolences to the family and the wine community.
Charlie was a beloved member of our Highland Park High School, Class of 1960. We offer our sincere condolences to his family.
Charlie was absolutely beloved by all he encountered in the wine business—a genuine ray of light and positive energy that won’t soon be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace.
My sincere condolences to the Meeker family on this incredible loss. May your grief be replaced with smiles when recalling all your rich memories of Charlie.
Working with Charlie was one of our most pleasantly memorable life experiences. Brilliant, ebullient, big hearted and topped with a lightning fast mind. To Molly , Kelly and Lucas our most heart felt condolences. Mickey and Karen Rudolph
My spouse and I first met Charlie and Molly around 1996 – both my spouse and Molly were alumni to the same college. It was an easy conversation to have with Charlie, especially in talking about his daughter and her passion for climate change. When my spouse turned 40 – we had a big blow out surprise party in Sacramento and all we served was the handprint wine. Along this journey – Charlie and his family remained always upbeat, pleasant and engaging no matter what time of day or weather. May his life spur grace as we all reflect. God Bless.
We were SO sad to receive the email with news of Charlie’s passing late last month. I started to leave a comment at that time and . . .
. . . well, here I am. My wife, Joann, and I, along with dear friends with whom we were traveling, happened in to the “Bank” tasting room in July of 2016 as Molly was hanging up from a conversation with Charlie, who she told us was on his way.
Molly was a gracious host, we were joined by Charlie and a magical time ensued! We enjoyed tales of their romance, wine making and some vision of the future (the proud father, Charlie, looking a bit through the eyes of Lucas).
We’d been Tribe members for a while, and visited once before, at that point. Fate is now sealed: that was a once in a life time afternoon, the memory of which we will always cherish.
Thank you, Charlie; we should all lead such a full life, and leave such memories behind!
I have been a Tribe member for many years. Had the greatest times, stopping in the bank tasting room with my wife, and of course visiting with Charlie and Molly. He loved life and most important, his family. Charlie left memories for thousands of lives that he touched.
Molly and Family:
Becki and I were saddened to hear that Charlie had passed. We had the good fortune to see Molly at our annual Food Bank events in Canton, OH over the years. We’ve made numerous trips to your winery and on one occasion got to meet Charlie and have dinner with your family and our friends. He was a fun and charismatic individual.
Please accept our condolences.