Sonal Holland Sonal Holland is the first and only Indian to have been conferred the title of Master of Wine, the most prestigious title in the world of wines held by an elite group of less than 450 professionals across five continents. She has also received an advanced certification in Saké and shochu from the Japan Saké and Shochu Makers Association. An award-winning broadcaster, she is a Tedx speaker, an acclaimed writer and a sought-after wine commentator with diversified entrepreneurial ventures she continues to simplify, demystify and revolutionize the wine culture. She is the founder of India’s premier wine consultancy business, SoHo Wine Consultants which offers customized, tailor-made strategies to the Hospitality, Alco Bev and Luxury Lifestyle industry. She has also conceived and chaired India’s most authoritative competition India Wine Awards, with the aim to recognize and celebrate wines. Sonal has also released the India Wine Insider, a comprehensive, research-backed survey providing insight into the psyche and behaviors of the urban Indian wine “Never stop learning – no learning ever goes to waste and knowledge will find a way to help you succeed throughout your journey.” consumer while identifying future growth trends beneficial for Indian and international traders looking to foray into the Indian market. As a certified wine educator, she established her eponymous Sonal Holland Wine Academy, India’s foremost institute providing class-room based and online education on wines and beverages. To help nurture and encourage the wine culture in India, she created the community - SoHo Wine Club, an inclusive community of wine-loving entrepreneurs, lifestyle appreciators, corporates and friends curating and designing exceptionally bespoke F&B experiences through interactive events and tastings. Master of Wine, Founder, Sonal Holland Wine Academy, SoHo Wine Consultants, Vine2Wine Pvt. Ltd. Sameeksha Uniyal During Sameeksha’s two-and-a-half-year stint at BACARDI, she has already played an integral role in driving some of the most important activity planning and execution in the region. She has, in addition enabled innovation research and concept creation for the portfolio. Prior to this, she held media planning and strategizing roles at Sony Entertainment, Group M and Viacom 18. Sameeksha is a PGDM Graduate in Communications and Strategic Marketing from MICA, Ahmedabad. With almost 15 years of experience, her varied work experience has prepared her to be at the crossroads of the emerging new thought and unravelling the dynamics of consumer preferences, and the constant flux of the mass media and social platforms which present exciting possibilities. Sameeksha’s advice to the younger generation is, “Travel as much as you can. Embrace diverse cultures, meet new people, and experience yourself in different places. India, being a country with incredible diversity, has opened my world in ways I could never “I believe that by finding happiness and satisfaction within ourselves, we create a positive and uplifting environment for those around us.” have imagined. Travel is not just about ticking off destinations from a bucket list but rather about selfdiscovery, empathy towards others, living the journey, and allowing it to enrich your life. So, go out there, experience the world, and let it transform you into a better individual.” Senior Brand Lead, BACARDI India & Southeast Asia 114 | | 115
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