PVLF 2026

One in a Billion

A powerful memoir of Sonal C Holland’s journey from corporate life to becoming India’s first Master of Wine—bold, inspiring, and transformational.
on Jul 09, 2025

One in a Billion is a moving and incredibly inspiring memoir that chronicles Sonal C Holland's remarkable journey from a dull corporate existence to India's first Master of Wine—a certification held by a privileged few worldwide. What starts off as a search for freedom from the monotonous becomes an epic tale of fierce determination, unrelenting grit, and self-transformation.

The author brings to life the triumphs and tragedies of Holland's quest for a target that appeared well-nigh impossible in the Indian scenario. With wine continuing to be regarded as an elite as well as foreign beverage in India, her choice to make her presence felt in this arena was at once nonconformist and enterprising. Through tireless hours of study, with sacrifices, movement between continents, and absence from those who loved her, Holland's resolve never wavers.

What makes the memoir so fascinating is its fusion of personal account and didactic perspective. Not only are readers taken on her emotional odyssey but also into the realm of wine—its tasting methods, manufacturing complexities, and the new Indian wine industry. Holland effortlessly entwines technical information into her narrative in a way that makes it understandable even for those uninformed about the topic.

One in a Billion is, at its heart, a tale of big dreams, beating odds, and creating something special from nothing. It will resonate with anyone who has ever taken an unconventional road, so it is as inspiring as it is educational.