Sonal C Holland,
Master of Wine - India’s Most Qualified Alcobev Professional


Meet
Sonal C Holland, MW
India’s only Master of Wine and a leading expert in the alcobev industry. Sonal C Holland MW has spent over two decades making wine and beverage culture more accessible in India. In 2016, she became the first Indian to earn the prestigious Master of Wine title, one of the highest accolades in the wine world. She is the Founder of Sonal Holland Academy, offering affordable, world-class education in wine, spirits, and beer. As Chairperson and Founder of the India Wine & Spirits Awards, she leads one of the country’s most credible platforms for recognising excellence in the industry. Through Sohowines Consulting, Sonal advises global and Indian brands, including ITC Hotels and Air India, and curates premium beverage experiences for top corporates, clubs, and networking groups like YPO and EO. A certified expert in spirits, saké, and beer, she is a recipient of the WSET Outstanding Alumni Award and has been named among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Indian Luxury. With over a million Instagram followers, Sonal is one of the most followed wine professionals on social media.
One in a Billion
This book is for anyone at a crossroads in life, questioning if it’s too late to start over. It’s a reminder to carve your own path instead of waiting for others to lead and to realise that success isn’t where you stop, it’s where you rise higher. I promise you this will uncork something powerful within you.

Qualifications


Wine


WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

WSET Level 4 Award in Wines

Master of Wine


Spirit


WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits


Sake


WSET Level 1 Award in Sake

WSET Level 2 Award in Sake

WSET Level 3 Award in Sake


Beer


WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
Awards & Recognition
Outstanding Alumni Award
By UK-based Wine And Spirit Education Trust in partnership with JancisRobinson.com in 2024
Gérard Basset Prize
‘Ambassador of the Year’ at the Wine Travel Awards 2023–2024
Achiever’s Award
from The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai
Wine Connoisseur of the Year
in the ‘Food and Beverage’ Category at Navbharat Times - Navbharat Influencer Awards 2024
India Gourmet Luxe Award
for Indian Gourmand 2024
Best Beverage Expert of the Year
2023 - Food Connoisseurs India Awards
Women Achievers Award
by the Indian Hospitality Council in 2022
40 Over 40
list of women achievers by She ThePeople in 2020
Innovative Woman of Substance Award
at the India Leadership Conclave in 2019.
Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Indian
Luxury by LuxeBook from 2015-2025
Awards & Recognition










Ventures
SoHoWines Consulting
- A premiere consulting firm that helps wine brands enter and succeed in the Indian wine market through a comprehensive activation program.
Social Media Presence
- Join our ever-growing tribe of enthusiasts as we simplify beverage education and introduce you to the art of enjoying and appreciating wines and spirits.

- Discover the world of premium wines and spirits, immersive tastings, and curated gourmet experiences designed exclusively for enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
The Holland House
- Experience a unique amalgamation of wine, luxury and sophistication at this breathtaking French chateau-style mansion nestled in the picturesque valley of Nashik.

- The country's largest blind-tasting competition for wines, spirits, sake, ciders and meads.
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