WSET 1 Practice Test

70 questions of our own for the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, weighted like its three published learning outcomes.

Rosé wine is usually made from which grapes?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 30 questions, 45 minutes, 21 right to pass (70%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Bank checked October 12, 2026.

The real exam, as its owner describes it

Questions
30
To pass
21 of 30 right (70%)
Time limit
45 minutes
Retakes
Allowed after a fail, with any number of attempts
Format
Closed book. One mark for each right answer and none taken off for a wrong one.
Who gives it
A WSET Approved Programme Provider, as part of its course.
Entry requirements
No earlier knowledge of wine is asked for. A candidate under the legal age to buy alcohol needs a parent's or guardian's consent or a full-time course.

Checked October 12, 2026 against the Wine & Spirit Education Trust's WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification, Issue 1.2 of 2022. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The exam owner's Level 1 Award in Wines page

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All 70 questions

Grape growing and winemaking 14

  • As grapes ripen, what happens to their sugar and their acid? Wikipedia, "Ripeness in viticulture"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Range 2
  • Compared with a warm climate, a cool climate tends to give grapes with what? WSET, "How does geography affect a wine's style?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Range 3
  • Grape pulp is mostly water. Which two other things does it hold? WSET, "What is wine?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Range 1
  • Grapes from a warm climate hold more sugar. What does that usually mean for the wine? WSET, "How does geography affect a wine's style?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Range 3
  • In the outline's order for red wine, what comes straight after crushing? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 1, Range 5: Production of still white, red and rosé wines
Show all 70 questions (65 more)

Grape growing and winemaking, continued

  • In the vineyard year, which stage comes before the grapes ripen? Wikipedia, "Annual growth cycle of grapevines"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Range 2
  • In white winemaking, when are the grapes pressed? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 1, Range 5: Production of still white, red and rosé wines
  • Rosé wine is usually made from which grapes? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Range 5
  • What does yeast make from grape sugar during fermentation? Wikipedia, "Winemaking"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Range 4
  • Where does the sugar for fermentation come from? WSET, "What is wine?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Ranges 1 and 4
  • Which part of a grape gives a wine its color and tannin? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 1, Range 1: Parts of a grape
  • Which stage comes just before bottling for white, red and rosé alike? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 1, Range 5: Production of still white, red and rosé wines
  • Which two things does alcoholic fermentation need? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 1, Range 4: Alcoholic Fermentation
  • Why is red wine red? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 1, Ranges 1 and 5

Types and styles of wine 10

  • How does acidity show itself when you taste a wine? WSET, "What is wine?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1
  • How does tannin feel in the mouth? WSET, "What is wine?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1
  • The outline lists five structural characteristics: sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol and which other? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 2, Range 1: Principal types and styles of wines
  • The outline sorts wine into three types. Which list is it? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 2, Range 1: Principal types and styles of wines
  • What does it mean when a wine is called dry? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1
  • What does the word body describe? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1
  • What makes a sparkling wine fizzy? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1
  • What makes a wine fortified? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1
  • Which flavor can a wine take from oak? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1
  • Wines with more alcohol usually feel how? WSET, "What is wine?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 1

The eight main grapes 13

  • An oaked, full-bodied white wine is most likely made from which of these grapes? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Cabernet Sauvignon typically gives which style of red? Wikipedia, "Cabernet Sauvignon"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Compared with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot usually gives a wine that is what? Wikipedia, "Merlot"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • How does Chardonnay from a very warm place differ from one grown somewhere cool? Wikipedia, "Chardonnay"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Italian Pinot Grigio is usually which style of white? Wikipedia, "Pinot gris"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Pinot Noir has thin skins. What does that mean for its wines? Wikipedia, "Pinot noir"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Riesling is made in which range of sweetness? Wikipedia, "Riesling"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Riesling wines are known for which pair of traits? Wikipedia, "Riesling"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Sauvignon Blanc from a cool climate is known for which flavors? Wikipedia, "Sauvignon blanc"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Syrah is known by which other name? Wikipedia, "Syrah"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Which four are the outline's white grape varieties? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 2, Range 2: Principal grape varieties
  • Which fruit flavor is linked with Cabernet Sauvignon? Wikipedia, "Cabernet Sauvignon"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2
  • Which spice note is Syrah/Shiraz known for? Wikipedia, "Syrah"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 2

Named wines 18

  • Beaujolais is which style of red? Wikipedia, "Beaujolais"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Burgundy's white and red wines come mainly from which pair of grapes? Wikipedia, "Burgundy wine"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 3
  • Chianti is a red wine from which country? Wikipedia, "Chianti"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Chianti is typically high in which two things? WSET, "Four rules to masterful food and wine pairing" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are both what? Wikipedia, "Côtes du Rhône AOC"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Despite its name, White Zinfandel is which color of wine? Wikipedia, "White Zinfandel"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • How sweet is White Zinfandel usually? Wikipedia, "White Zinfandel"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Port and Sherry differ in sweetness. Which is right? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Red Bordeaux is usually a blend. Which two of the outline's grapes go into it? Wikipedia, "Bordeaux wine"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 3
  • Red Rioja labeled Crianza or Reserva has spent time in what? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Rioja is a red wine from which country? Wikipedia, "Rioja DOCa"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Sherry and Port are fortified wines. Where is each from? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • To be called Champagne, a sparkling wine must come from where? WSET, "An introduction to sparkling wine" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 3
  • Which of the outline's white grapes makes Chablis? Wikipedia, "Chablis (AOC)"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 3
  • Which of these white wines is sweet? WSET, "What is wine?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 4
  • Which of these wines is made from Sauvignon Blanc? Wikipedia, "Sancerre (wine)"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 3
  • Which pairing of sparkling wine and country is right? WSET, "How many wine types and styles are there?" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Ranges 3 and 4
  • Which two of the outline's grapes are used in Champagne? WSET, "An introduction to sparkling wine" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 2, Range 3

Storing and serving wine 10

  • Before a wine is served, which two checks does the outline list? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 3, Range 3: Serving wine
  • How does a blanket system protect an opened wine? WSET, "The best ways to preserve wine after opening" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 1
  • How does a vacuum system keep an opened bottle fresh? WSET, "The best ways to preserve wine after opening" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 1
  • How does the outline say to serve a full-bodied red wine? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 3, Range 2: Service temperature description
  • How does the outline say to serve a light-bodied red such as Beaujolais? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 3, Range 2: Service temperature description
  • How does the outline say to serve a light-bodied white such as Pinot Grigio? WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022): Learning Outcome 3, Range 2: Service temperature description
  • When opening sparkling wine, what do you turn? WSET, "An introduction to sparkling wine" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 3
  • Which is a poor place to keep wine for months? WSET, "Ideal serving temperatures and top tips for wine storage" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 1
  • Which temperature suits wine in long-term storage? WSET, "Ideal serving temperatures and top tips for wine storage" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 1
  • Why is a bottle sealed with a cork stored on its side? WSET, "Ideal serving temperatures and top tips for wine storage" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 1

Food and wine 5

  • Acid in food, such as lemon juice, makes a high-acid wine seem how? WSET, "Four rules to masterful food and wine pairing" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 4
  • Chili heat in food makes which part of a wine stand out? WSET, "How to pair drinks with spice" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 4
  • For a sweet dessert, how sweet should the wine be? Wikipedia, "Wine and food pairing"; outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 4
  • Salt in food usually makes a tannic red wine seem how? WSET, "Four rules to masterful food and wine pairing" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 4
  • Which style of wine is the safer match for a hot, spicy dish? WSET, "How to pair drinks with spice" (wsetglobal.com); outline: WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification (Issue 1.2, 2022), Learning Outcome 3, Range 4

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the three learning outcomes and their ranges in the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines Specification, Issue 1.2 of 2022, which the Wine & Spirit Education Trust publishes (https://www.wsetglobal.com/media/11682/wset_l1wines_spec_en_jun2022_issue12.pdf). Facts were read on 2026-10-12 in that Specification and in public sources named on each question: articles in the Knowledge Centre of wsetglobal.com (What is wine?; How many wine types and styles are there?; How does geography affect a wine's style?; Ideal serving temperatures and top tips for wine storage; The best ways to preserve wine after opening; Four rules to masterful food and wine pairing; How to pair drinks with spice; An introduction to sparkling wine) and Wikipedia articles on single grapes, wines and vineyard stages. Licence: Own work. Every question, answer choice and explanation was written for this site from the public sources named on it. Nothing is taken from the examination, from the five sample questions printed in the Specification, from the course book or from another practice test.

How it works

This WSET Level 1 practice test follows the published Specification of the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. It is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Read the full guide

Weighted like the exam

The Specification gives the weighting of the 30 questions: 6 on grape growing and winemaking, 18 on wine types, the principal grapes and named wines, and 6 on storage, service and food pairing. This bank keeps those shares.

How the questions are asked

The Specification's sample questions include true or false items; here every question has four choices. Service temperatures are asked in the Specification's own words, such as chilled, never in degrees. No question asks you to taste.

  • Keep the lookalike names apart: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are white grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are black.
  • Learn the winemaking orders as lists. White wine is pressed before fermentation; red wine is pressed after it.

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the WSET Level 1 exam?

The Specification describes 30 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, closed book. Each right answer is worth one mark, and no marks are taken off for wrong answers.

What is the pass mark for WSET Level 1?

70 percent, which is 21 of the 30 questions. Results are graded pass or fail. A candidate who fails may resit, and the Specification sets no limit on attempts.

Is this an official WSET Level 1 mock exam?

No. The Specification says past papers for Level 1 are not released, and it prints five sample questions. Every question here was written for this site from the published learning outcomes and public sources, and none repeats those samples.

Do you have to taste wine to pass WSET Level 1?

No. The exam is multiple choice only. The Specification says a candidate who is under the legal age, or who chooses not to taste for health or religious reasons, does not sample alcohol on the course, and that this is no barrier to the qualification.

What comes after WSET Level 1?

The Specification recommends Level 1, or the same level of experience, for entry to WSET's Level 2 wine award. For another body's first exam, try our level 1 sommelier practice test.

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