Jess Druey

Jess Druey is a California-based writer, speaker, founder, and cultural tastemaker working at the intersection of wine, storytelling, and modern adulthood.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, California—the heart of Central California and one of the most

important agricultural regions in the United States—Jess grew up closely connected to farming,

food systems, and the people who sustain them. That grounding continues to shape her

perspective on wine as an agricultural product meant to bring people together, not intimidate

them.

At 22, a single, relatable moment—standing in a wine aisle trying to choose a bottle for a first

date—sparked a realization: wine didn’t need to change, but the way it showed up for everyday

people did. By 24, Jess had self-launched a direct-to-consumer wine brand from Bakersfield

with no formal wine training and no industry connections. Built on bold packaging, interactive

design, and transparent storytelling, the brand—WHINY (formerly Whiny Baby)—quickly

developed a loyal following and expanded into national retail before being acquired by GALLO,

becoming one of the youngest founder-led wine brand acquisitions in the U.S.

Today, Jess consults across GALLO’s portfolio, partnering with internal teams on brand

strategy, product development, and cultural insight to help the wine industry better understand

and connect with the next generation of consumers. This relationship does not interfere with her

personal creative projects, including this book; rather, it provides responsible access to

resources, insight, and amplification when aligned.

In 2026, Jess is leading the full redevelopment of Whiny Baby into WHINY, working with top

design agencies and winemaking partners to evolve the brand into a more gender-neutral,

timeless expression centered around perfectly balanced, accessible starter blends. The WHINY

relaunch is planned for early 2027, creating a unique opportunity to thoughtfully align Whine

With Me with the brand’s return to major national retailers—without compromising the book’s

independent voice.

Jess is widely recognized for translating complex topics—wine, business, branding, and

adulthood—into frameworks and experiences that feel intuitive, human, and usable. Through

relatable storytelling, honest “hot takes,

” and behind-the-scenes transparency, she has built an

engaged social media following centered on adulting, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and

modern taste. Jess has taken her community with her throughout her entrepreneurial journeyand plans to do the same throughout her author era, sharing the writing process, day-in-the-life

moments, and real-world application of the book’s ideas.

This approach has helped establish Jess as a trusted lifestyle tastemaker and one of the

leading voices shaping how emerging generations relate to wine—not as a luxury product

or performance, but as a social, everyday part of life.

Jess is currently relocating full-time to Sonoma County, placing her at the center of American

wine culture and community. The move represents a personal and professional

through-line—from the agricultural backbone of Central California to the heart of wine

production, hospitality, and storytelling.

In 2023, Jess won Season 2 of Food Stars (Hulu / FOX), hosted by Gordon Ramsay and Lisa

Vanderpump, further establishing her as a compelling on-camera personality and trusted voice

in food and beverage culture. She was also named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Food & Beverage)

for her role in shaping modern consumer culture.

Her lifestyle perspective has been highlighted beyond wine, including a featured Homeworthy

apartment tour, showcasing her approach to hosting, home design, and everyday

rituals—reinforcing her position at the intersection of taste, lifestyle, and storytelling.

Jess is partnered with Andrew Whiting, a chef and food entrepreneur and the founder of Hot

Drops, a Sonoma County-based fermented hot sauce company. Together, they represent a new

generation of California food and wine voices—bridging agriculture, culture, creativity, and

community for Millennials, Gen Z, and emerging generations.

A frequent keynote speaker and panelist, Jess speaks on modern adulthood,

community-building, creativity, the future of wine, and how legacy industries can evolve to meet

new cultural moments. Whine With Me is her first book and marks the beginning of a broader

body of work exploring wine, culture, and connection.

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