In a country where whisky dominates and wine is still carving out its cultural identity, one woman set her sights on mastering the world’s most complex beverage — and succeeded against all odds. India’s engagement with wine is relatively young, shaped more by novelty than nuance, and rarely linked to international accolades. But Sonal Holland broke that mold, becoming the country’s first and only Master of Wine — a title held by fewer than 500 people globally.
Her remarkable journey is chronicled in One in a Billion: Becoming India’s First Master of Wine, a memoir that’s as much about resilience as it is about Riesling. More than just a personal narrative, the book offers insight into an elite wine world, while doubling as a motivational blueprint for anyone chasing an audacious dream.
A Journey from Hospitality to High Wine
Sonal Holland’s story begins in Mumbai, with a career that seemed destined for comfort in hospitality and retail. But her decision to pursue the notoriously difficult Master of Wine qualification – held by fewer than 500 people globally – set her on an extraordinary trajectory. The book chronicles her decision to leave a corporate job at 37 and move to London, a move both brave and unconventional, especially for a woman balancing career, motherhood, and societal expectations.
This section of the book brings out the emotional depth of her journey: long hours of study, financial strain, cultural dislocation, and the constant pressure to prove herself in a male-dominated field. It’s not just about wine – it’s about identity, self-worth, and challenging norms.
The World of Wine, Decoded
While the memoir is deeply personal, it also serves as a gentle guide into the complex and often intimidating world of wine. From mastering blind tastings to understanding wine theory and global markets, Holland breaks down the Master of Wine journey with clarity and passion. Her anecdotes – from vineyard visits in Europe to wine dinners in India – make the subject approachable, and even endearing.
What stands out is her ability to balance technical detail with storytelling. Whether you’re a budding sommelier or someone who simply enjoys a glass of red with dinner, there’s something to learn and appreciate here.
A Woman’s Win in a Man’s World
The gender dynamics in the global wine industry are subtly but powerfully explored. Holland speaks candidly about being underestimated, patronised, or judged, both in India and abroad. Her triumph is not framed as a singular win but as a beacon for others – especially women – who dare to dream differently. The book becomes, in many ways, a feminist narrative wrapped in a wine-soaked cover.
An Indian Perspective with Global Palate
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the memoir is how it marries Indian context with a global journey. Holland doesn’t just aim to succeed abroad – she returns with a mission to elevate India’s wine culture. Her work post-MW, including establishing the Sonal Holland Wine Academy and curating India’s first wine awards, is portrayed with purpose and clarity. It’s a story of giving back while moving forward.
Where to Buy & Price Details
One in a Billion: Becoming India’s First Master of Wine is available across major online platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, and Books Mandala. You can also find it at select independent bookstores in major Indian cities, especially those that curate non-fiction and memoir collections.
- Format: Hardcover and Kindle edition
- Retail Price: ₹699 (Hardcover on Amazon India)
- Kindle Edition: ₹349 (subject to change based on promotions)
International readers can purchase the book via Amazon Global or through Indian book retailers that offer worldwide shipping.
Final Pour: A Toast to Tenacity
One in a Billion is a rare blend – part memoir, part motivational guide, part wine manual. It’s a story that will resonate beyond the world of wine, appealing to anyone who has dared to chart their own course in unfamiliar territory. With its elegant prose, compelling structure, and emotional honesty, the book not only tells the story of India’s first Master of Wine – it tells the story of what it means to master your own life.
Verdict: 4.5/5
A bold, brilliant memoir worth sipping slowly – and then sharing with others.
