From his first sips of wicker basket Chianti at his grandfather’s dinner table to a 1986 Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin, Tilden knew that there was something magical about wine. He earned his Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Having been with Wine Enthusiast catalog since 2005, when he is not writing about wine he also runs the wine storage division and is head of W.E.’s in-house education program. He is a proud father of two who also enjoys golfing, jamming on his axe and coaching both his kids’ sports teams.
Marshall Tilden III, DWS, CSW 
Hi Marshall,
I worked with your remarkably fine mom, Josette, at Yonkers Montessori. I met you once or twice around the school. The other day my wife and I were at a good local restaurant in western Maine and shared a bottle of wine suggested by the restaurant owner…it was hard to pick out one since we were having steak, mussels and salmon. She suggested a Line 39 Petite Syrah. We were all reallly pleased with her choice. I was astonished to find in a google search that this wine could be bought for as little as $8.99. We drink a variety of wines and are in the “well, tastes good to me! ” level of sophistication which is why I so appreciate your columns and suggestions. We have had no real training in how to appreciate wines. The other couple live in DC and he is a lawyer who frequents fine restaurants. We all loved the wine. D you know it or the company? Were we fooled somehow due to the generally happy, relaxed feelings we all 4 experience when at our homes in Maine? Just thought I’d pass this on and if you try the wine and like it, let me know and accept the recommendation as a thank you for all your fine suggestions. If you don’t like it, well, don’t tell your mom!!
Best,
Jon
Hi Jon, thanks for reading and of course I remember meeting you! I am familiar with Line 39, although more their Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon than their Petit Sirah. However I enjoyed their Cabernet very much, especially for an under $10 wine. I don’t think you were fooled at all, I think you experienced that you don’t have to spend a lot in order to drink some solid wine. Is it one of the best wines out there? Of course not. But as you alluded to in your comment, in the right environment and when paired with the right dish the level of enjoyment of wine can increase dramatically. Hope that makes sense and thanks again for the comment!
yo yo what up?
Hey Matty, thanks for checking in!
Hi,
Happy New Year! I am looking to host a wine and chocolate tasting. Would you know of a resource, maybe yourself for such an event. It would be a Fundraiser for about 50 women. Thanks!
Best,
Christine
Hi Christine,
Thanks for the comment and following! Yes, I think I can probably help you out with this depending on timing and location. Is there an email to reach you directly?
Thanks,
Marshall