Mumbai : 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.
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.
