Book review of ‘Wine All the Time’ by Marissa A. Ross

My book pick for my travel to Greece Wine All the Time The Casual Guide to Confident Drinking’ by Marissa A. Ross.

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There is a specific kind of magic, a shobha, in the books we choose for transit. I’ve always been a reader first and a drinker second; for me, a flight isn’t just about the destination. That’s why I read wines on planes. It is also about the ritual of becoming a temporary resident of the clouds. A few summers ago, en route to London before a final descent into Athens, I packed a companion that matched my current obsession: Marissa A. Ross’s Wine All the Time: The Casual Guide to Confident Drinking.

I am a firm believer that your “traveling mood” should be curated. Just as I wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to a beach, I wouldn’t read a dense technical manual on soil pH while squeezed into seat 14B. I needed something that felt like a conversation with a friend who knows their stuff. Also, they don’t make you feel small for not knowing the difference between a cork and a screwcap. Pairing this with a small, budget-friendly bottle of South African Chenin Blanc—crisp, honeyed, and vastly underrated—was the ultimate travel hack.

The Comedy of the Vine: A Review of ‘Wine All the Time’ by Marissa A. Ross

Marissa A. Ross treats wine with the respect it deserves and the irreverence it needs. As she states, this is a very basic book, but “basic” here isn’t an insult; it’s an invitation. She manages a rare jugolbondi—a beautiful pairing—of wine expertise and sharp-witted comedy.

The book strips away the pretension that often gatekeeps the industry. Ross isn’t interested in making you a sommelier who can smell “crushed wet stones and the tears of a French peasant.” Instead, she wants you to be a confident drinker. She teaches you how to shop for a bottle without panicking, how to order at a restaurant, and how to trust your own palate. If you’re looking for a gift this season, this is the perfect choice for that friend who loves to host. Even if they still feel intimidated by the wine aisle.

Sipping on a Budget: Why Chenin Blanc is the Traveler’s Best Friend

While the book kept me entertained, the Chenin Blanc kept me refreshed. If you are looking for high-quality wine that won’t break your travel budget, look toward South Africa. Often overlooked for more expensive Chardonnays, South African Chenin Blanc offers incredible value.

Flavor Profile: Think green apple, tropical guava, and a hint of honey.
The “Budget” Factor: You can often find premium-tasting bottles for under $15.
Why it works for travel: Its high acidity cuts through salty airplane snacks and keeps your palate alive even at 30,000 feet.
Whether you are flying to Athens or just sitting on your patio, the combination of a witty book and a crisp, affordable white wine is a lifestyle choice I will always advocate for. It reminds us that wine is not a test to be passed; it is a story to be enjoyed.