Coming soon in the app
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines: the complete guide
The most popular wine qualification in the world. Level 2 takes you through the grape varieties and regions behind the wines you see on shelves and wine lists, how labels work and how to pair wine with food. The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions: very passable with a structured plan.
The exam at a glance
- Questions
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Pass mark
- 55% (28 correct answers out of 50)
- Study time
- About 28 hours: 16 of guided learning + 11 of private study + the exam
- Prerequisites
- None — Level 1 is not required
What the syllabus covers
- The eight principal grape varieties and 22 regionally important ones
- Wines from over 70 geographical indications around the world
- How the environment and winemaking (oak, malolactic conversion, residual sugar) shape a wine’s style
- Sparkling wines and their methods, and fortified wines such as Port and Sherry
- Reading wine labels: quality categories and labelling terms in the main countries
- Storage, service and food and wine pairing
- Describing wines with the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting
Grape varieties to know
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah / Shiraz
How to study, step by step
Build a grid for the 8 principal grapes
For each one write the climate, the key regions, the typical aromas and how it changes in a cool or warm area. Most questions use this logic.
Attach each region to its grape
Learn the regions as pairs: Sancerre — Sauvignon Blanc, Barossa — Shiraz, Rioja — Tempranillo, Chianti — Sangiovese. Then add the regionally important grapes.
Learn labelling terms
Questions often test terms like Riserva, Crianza, Kabinett, Brut or AOC/DOP. Turn them into flashcards.
Do full mock exams
Train with 50 questions in 60 minutes and review every mistake: the pass mark is 55%, but aiming for 70% gives you a safety margin.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up regions in the same country (Bordeaux Left Bank vs Right Bank, Northern vs Southern Rhône)
- Forgetting the effect of climate on the same grape
- Confusing sparkling methods (traditional vs tank)
- Underestimating fortified wines and labelling terms
Try 3 sample questions
1 Which method is used to make Champagne?
Show the answer
The traditional method, second fermentation in the bottle — Champagne is made by the traditional method, with the second fermentation in the bottle.
2 Which grape variety is used for Barolo?
Show the answer
Nebbiolo — Barolo is made from 100% Nebbiolo.
3 Which grape is the signature white variety of Marlborough, New Zealand?
Show the answer
Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough is famous for intensely aromatic Sauvignon Blanc.
Level 1, 2 or 3: which one is for you?
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | 30 multiple choice | 50 multiple choice | 50 multiple choice + 4 written questions |
| Duration | 45 min | 60 min | 2 h + 30 min tasting |
| Pass mark | 70% | 55% | 55% |
| Study time | ≈ 6 h | ≈ 28 h | ≈ 84 h |
| Written answers | no | no | yes |
| Tasting exam | no | no | yes (2 wines) |
Coming soon in the app
The Wine Goat for WSET Level 2 is on its way
Practice questions, mock exams and a study plan for WSET Level 2, in the same app as Level 3. Leave your email in the app and we will tell you as soon as it opens.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the WSET Level 2 exam?
It requires real study but it is very passable: 50 multiple-choice questions in an hour with a 55% pass mark. Most candidates who follow the course and practise with questions pass.
How long should I study for WSET Level 2?
WSET indicates about 28 hours in total, including 16 hours of guided learning. In practice 3–5 weeks of regular revision works well.
Do I need Level 1 before Level 2?
No. You can start directly at Level 2 — many people do.
Is there a tasting exam at Level 2?
No. You taste during the course, but the exam is only multiple choice. Blind tasting is assessed from Level 3.
What happens after Level 2?
Level 3 goes much deeper, with written answers and a blind tasting of two wines. The Wine Goat already covers Level 3 in full.
Will The Wine Goat have Level 2?
Yes. Practice questions, mock exams and a personal study plan for Level 2 are coming soon.