"At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect"

In this quote, Herman Melville is recommending that the sea has a transformative power. He is recommending that when somebody is at sea, they come out of the experience altered in some way. He is also suggesting that the sea is like white wine in that it has the power to transform. This might be analyzed as a metaphor for the power of the sea to highlight the best in people, to help them grow and establish. It could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the power of the sea to highlight the worst in individuals, to make them more reckless and daring. In either case, Melville is suggesting that the sea has a powerful impact on individuals, which it can be a source of improvement.