Organisers & partners

The organiser: SohoWines

Sonal C Holland is India’s first and only Master of Wine and the country’s most qualified alcobev professional. An award-winning broadcaster, educator, and consultant, she has played a defining role in shaping modern beverage culture in India through education, advisory work, and high-impact experiences.

Through SoHoWines Consulting, Sonal works closely with international producers and trade bodies seeking to enter and establish themselves in the Indian market. In India, she has advised and collaborated with leading organisations such as ITC Hotels and Air India, bringing global perspective and local insight to beverage strategy, curation, and communication.

Sonal is widely known for curating bespoke wine and spirits experiences for corporate leaders, premium member clubs, and influential networks, including YPO and EO. Her recent work includes designing and delivering high-level masterclasses and conference programmes such as market-entry presentations for Australian wineries, a VDP masterclass for the Indian trade, a wine tasting for Atout France guests, and a strategic route-to-market presentation in Chile for the country’s leading wineries.

As Founder of the Sonal Holland Academy, she has empowered a new generation of hospitality and alcobev professionals and enthusiasts through accessible, world-class education in wines and spirits. She is also the Chairperson and Founder of the India Wines and Spirits Award, the country’s most authoritative platform for recognising excellence and guiding informed consumer choice.

A globally certified expert, Sonal holds top qualifications in wines, spirits, beer, sake and soju. She is the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Award by WSET in partnership with JancisRobinson.com, has been named World’s Best Wine Communicator at the VinoInfluencer Global Awards, and is listed among LuxeBook’s Top 50 Women in Indian Luxury.