Whiny Baby Wines Triumph on "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars"

In a thrilling finale of the second season of "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars" on Fox, a contestant from Lisa Vanderpump's team emerged victorious, much to the chagrin of the renowned chef. The competition pitted finalists Jess Druey, Roman Desmond, and Ali Schlichter against each other, with Druey's Whiny Baby wine brand ultimately claiming the 0,000 grand prize.

A Clash of Culinary Titans Yields a Surprising Winner

The Showdown: Finalists Vie for the Grand Prize

The finale of "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars" was a high-stakes affair, with the three finalists vying for the coveted 0,000 grand prize. Jess Druey, representing Team Vanderpump, faced off against Roman Desmond, also from Team Vanderpump, and Ali Schlichter, who was mentored by Ramsay himself. The finalists were tasked with delivering impressive presentations to showcase their respective food and beverage businesses, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

Vanderpump's Protégé Emerges Victorious

In a surprising turn of events, it was Jess Druey, the Whiny Baby wine brand founder, who emerged as the ultimate winner. Vanderpump, who had joined Ramsay as a co-host and rival mentor for the second season, was elated by her protégé's triumph. "I know it cuts him deeply, the fact that I won," Vanderpump told Variety, acknowledging the competitive dynamic between herself and Ramsay.

Ramsay's Reluctant Admission

Despite his initial disappointment, Ramsay had to concede that Druey's performance was exceptional. "The caliber of talent competing on 'Food Stars' this season was truly exceptional," Ramsay said. "I'm delighted to name Whiny Baby founder, Jess Druey as our winner." However, the renowned chef couldn't resist a playful jab, adding, "Less thrilling was Lisa getting her first 'Food Star,' giving her ego yet another pump."

Druey's Resilience and Determination

Druey's victory was not without its challenges. During the competition, she faced a moment of adversity when she cut her finger during a trade show exhibition, causing her to momentarily lose her composure. However, this setback only served to fuel her determination. "It ignited a fire in me to prove Gordon wrong the whole time," Druey recalled. "And to prove I could hold my own in the food space."

Expanding Whiny Baby's Reach

With the 0,000 grand prize in hand, Druey is wasting no time in expanding the reach of Whiny Baby wines. The brand, which offers "high quality, small batched, accessible and chill-able wines produced for wine drinkers of all levels," has already seen significant growth, with its products now available in major retailers like Target, Gopuff, and Total Wine. Druey's goal is to continue this momentum and get Whiny Baby on the shelves of every state.

A Triumph for Innovation and Accessibility

Druey's victory on "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars" represents a triumph for innovation and accessibility in the wine industry. As she noted, the industry can be "outdated and complicated," making it challenging for new players to break through. Whiny Baby's playful branding and focus on creating wines for all levels of wine drinkers have resonated with consumers, and Druey's win on the show has only amplified the brand's visibility and potential.