Guy Fieri Shares Heartwarming Praise About Son Ryder From Inspiring College Visit (Exclusive)

Guy Fieri is reminiscing about one of the “finest praises” a mentor provided him concerning his 19-year-old son, Ryder.

During a conversation with PEOPLE at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival on February 21, the 57-year-old Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host disclosed that it was “truly wonderful” to witness his youngest son “engaged in his craft” during a visit to San Diego State University last month.

According to his father, Ryder serves as a manager for the college’s basketball squad and is a “significant athlete” in his own right.

“So, when I encountered the coaches, they said, ‘Listen, let me share something with you. We have numerous kids who pass through here, and we’ve had some who are children of celebrities, but your son does not give a single ounce… He doesn’t go around boasting… He simply gets the job done.'”

“And they all expressed the same sentiment,” Guy continued. “The players echoed similar views. Honestly, that was one of the finest accolades I could receive—that he’s thriving even when I’m not present.”

Guy has both Ryder and elder son Hunter, 28, with his spouse Lori.

At the same event in South Beach, where he was accompanied by Hunter, the Food Network host revealed to PEOPLE that he and his older son “collaborate almost every day.”

“He manages our wine business and also collaborates closely with me on the tequila venture,” Guy explained, referring to their Hunt & Ryde wine brand and Santo Tequila.

Hunter also features alongside his father on Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, interviewing the victorious chefs backstage during the competition series.

“My sons are my closest friends,” Guy remarked. “My wife has been an incredible companion in life and in the way we have raised our children. But Hunter’s flourishing on TV. He continues to build his confidence. My youngest son Ryder is attending college in San Diego, so he visits occasionally. But Hunter’s excelling in his role.”

A significant year lies ahead for the Fieri family. Earlier this month, Hunter provided an update regarding his forthcoming nuptials to fiancée Tara Bernstein. On March 4, the couple released a video captured at a beach, showcasing Bernstein leaping into Hunter’s arms. “Jumping into forever with my favorite person ❤️🌊,” they captioned the clip.

As Guy explained to PEOPLE, the soon-to-be married couple has been facing challenges in narrowing down their guest list as they organize their special day.

“They both possess such vibrant personalities and have numerous friends,” Guy shared in South Beach. “I mean, that’s the most difficult part. [How] the two of them will reduce it to 350, I have no idea.”

“It would be like selecting 350 of these individuals and determining who’s going to make the cut,” he added. “But no, it’s going to be fantastic, imaginative, and active, and a multitude of things.”