Jess Druey is a trailblazing entrepreneur, tastemaker, and the creative force behind Whiny Baby — the California-sourced wine brand rewriting the rules for a new generation of drinkers. Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, with deep agricultural roots, Jess brings a fresh perspective on the journey from vine to glass. At 22, a simple task — buying wine for a first date — left her overwhelmed and uninspired in the aisle. That moment sparked the idea for Whiny Baby, which she self-launched at 24 with no industry connections. Her bold packaging, interactive design, and authentic storytelling quickly went viral on TikTok, turning Whiny Baby into a movement.

By 26, Jess partnered with the McBride Sisters Wine Company, bringing Whiny Baby into national retailers like Target, Total Wine, and BevMo. Now at 28, Whiny Baby is the only nationally distributed wine brand founded and owned by a Gen Zer — embraced as the gateway wine for a new generation of drinkers. Recognized by Essence Magazine and DTC Newsletter and winner of Gordon Ramsay and Lisa Vanderpump’s Food Stars, Jess has emerged as one of the youngest leaders shaping the industry.

As Founder & Head of Whiny Baby and Emerging Consumer Innovation Consultant with GALLO, Jess continues her mission to welcome the next generation into wine — blending her agricultural roots with a pulse on emerging winemaking practices, packaging trends, and consumer innovation to make wine approachable, expressive, and fun.