Mumbai, July 03, 2025: One in a Billion, the highly anticipated memoir by Sonal C Holland, India’s first and only Master of Wine, was officially launched at a grand soirée held at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Published by Westland Books, the memoir captures Sonal’s phenomenal two-decade journey of grit, glamour, and the audacious pursuit of purpose.
An intimate yet power-packed gathering, the event brought together luminaries from the worlds of wine, spirits, hospitality, media, and business. Among the distinguished guests were Mr Prabhat Verma Executive Vice President- Operations, IHCL, Devendra Bharma (CEO, Jio World Centre), Walter Ferrara (Italy’s Consul General In Mumbai), Paul Murphy (Australia’s Consul General in Mumbai) and Jackie Matai (Co-founder and CEO, Aspri Spirits), making it a veritable who’s who of India’s alcobev and luxury landscape.
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The highlight of the evening was an inspiring, unscripted conversation between Sonal and Shivnath Thukral, former Vice President, Public Policy at Meta India. Their dialogue explored Sonal’s radical leap from a high-flying corporate career to becoming a trailblazer in a domain of wine, which was then unknown in India, thus paving the way for others to follow. They reflected on ambition without a blueprint and the fierce intentionality it takes to rise on your own terms.
Speaking on exploring impactful themes of reinvention and perseverance in her memoir, Sonal said, “I believe we all reach a point in life where we yearn for a second act. A fresh start. One in a Billion is for those standing at that very crossroads, unsure where to begin, how to find the courage to take the leap into the unknown. It is about tuning out the noise, trusting your inner compass, building an authentic voice, and using it to lead and to inspire. This book isn’t just for wine lovers; it’s for dreamers. For anyone who has ever dared to believe they were made for more.”
Sonal unveiled the cover of the book in the presence of her close friends and family, her husband, Andrew Holland, and daughter, Rianna, amidst heartfelt applause, pride, and emotion, underscoring the deeply personal nature of the evening.
About the Book
What if one daring decision could make you one in a billion? This is the story of a woman who bet on wine before India even knew how to drink it.
When Sonal C Holland walked away from a high-paying corporate job at thirty-three, she wasn’t chasing success—she was chasing meaning. What she found instead was wine. In a country where whisky reigned and wine was barely understood, she set her sights on an audacious goal: to become India’s first Master of Wine, globally one of the most rigorous and respected qualifications in the field.
With zero background in wine, no formal exposure and limited connections within the industry, the odds were stacked against Sonal. And yet, she pressed on—going on not only to achieve a world-class feat, but to pioneer a cultural shift in a country just waking up to global tastes.
One in a Billion offers a front-row seat to grit, glamour, reinvention and the price of relentless pursuit—from Sonal’s repeated blind tasting failures to sipping champagne with celebrities, from the storied vineyards of Bordeaux to wine classrooms in London. A masterclass in self-investment and betting on yourself, this is a story of ambition without a blueprint, success without shortcuts and the wild magic of believing you were born for more.
If you’ve ever questioned your path, craved a second act or dared to dream beyond what’s expected, One in a Billion will uncork something powerful inside you.
About the Author
Sonal C Holland, MW is a pioneering force in India’s beverage culture. In 2016, she became the first and only Indian to earn the Master of Wine title, a globally revered qualification that only a handful in the world can claim. She is also a certified expert in spirits, saké, and beer.
As the Founder of the Sonal Holland Academy, she has championed affordable, world-class wine and beverage education in India, empowering a generation of professionals and enthusiasts. Through Sohowines Consulting, she has worked with leading global and domestic brands such as ITC Hotels, IHCL, and the Jio Group, helping shape award-winning beverage programs. She also curates exclusive tasting experiences for private clients, corporate groups, and global networks like YPO and EO.
As Founder-Chairperson of the India Wines & Spirits Award (IWSA), she helms the country’s most prestigious blind-tasting competition, recognising excellence and guiding consumer choices.
With over one million followers on Instagram, Sonal is one of the most followed wine professionals globally. Her recognitions include the WSET Outstanding Alumni Award, inclusion in the Top 100 Most Influential People in Indian Luxury, and countless features in national and international media.
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