WSET Level 2 Study Guide: Pass First Try

WSET Level 2 in Wines is the qualification where casual wine enthusiasm turns into actual wine knowledge. Level 1 is essentially “wine exists and here are the basics.” Level 2 is where they expect you to know your Garnacha from your Grenache (spoiler: same grape) and explain why Barolo and Barbaresco taste different despite both being made from Nebbiolo.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about taking Level 2 or you’re already enrolled and mildly panicking about the exam. Either way, this guide will get you organized.

What Level 2 Actually Covers

Level 2 is officially called “WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.” It builds on Level 1 but goes significantly deeper. Here’s the scope:

• Environmental factors affecting grape growing (climate, soil, aspect)
• Winemaking processes and how they affect style (fermentation, oak, malolactic conversion, lees aging)
• 20+ grape varieties in detail, with their key regions and wine styles
• Major wine regions of the world and their signature wines
• Labeling laws and classification systems
• Sparkling and fortified wines (basic coverage)
• Systematic tasting using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
• Food and wine pairing principles
• Wine storage and service

That’s a lot. But it’s manageable with the right approach.

The Exam Format

Let’s demystify the exam itself:

• 50 multiple-choice questions
• 60 minutes to complete
• 55% to pass (28 correct answers)
• 65% for Merit
• 80% for Distinction
• Closed book – no notes, no phone, no wine (unfortunately)

The questions test knowledge, not opinion. They want facts: which region, which grape, which process, which climate type. There’s no essay writing, no subjective tasting assessment in the written exam (though your course will include tasting practice).

A 55% pass rate might sound easy, but the questions can be surprisingly specific. “Which of the following is a black grape variety grown in the Northern Rhône?” is straightforward. “Which of these best describes the climate of the Mosel?” requires you to actually know the Mosel’s climate classification.

The Grape Variety List

This is the backbone of Level 2. You need to know these varieties inside and out:

White Grapes

• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
• Gewürztraminer
• Viognier
• Sémillon
• Chenin Blanc
• Muscat (Moscato)
• Albariño
• Cortese (Gavi)
• Garganega (Soave)

Red/Black Grapes

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Syrah / Shiraz
• Grenache / Garnacha
• Tempranillo
• Sangiovese
• Nebbiolo
• Malbec
• Gamay
• Zinfandel / Primitivo
• Pinotage
• Carménère

For each grape, you need to know:

1. Key flavor characteristics
2. Where it’s grown (primary regions)
3. Typical wine styles (light vs. full-bodied, oaked vs. unoaked)
4. Key regional names (e.g., Sangiovese = Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino)
5. Climate preferences (cool climate vs. warm climate expressions)

Recommended Study Timeline

I’d recommend 4-8 weeks of dedicated study, depending on your existing knowledge. Here’s a suggested breakdown:

Weeks 1-2: Foundations

• Read chapters on how wine is made (viticulture and vinification)
• Understand the impact of climate, oak, and fermentation choices
• Create flashcards for grape varieties (characteristics, regions, wine names)

Weeks 3-4: Grape Deep Dives

• Study 3-4 grape varieties per day in detail
• Focus on linking grapes to their key regions and wine styles
• Start practice questions after each grape variety

Weeks 5-6: Regions and Classification

• Study major wine regions (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, New World)
• Learn classification systems (French AOC, Italian DOCG/DOC, Spanish DO)
• Understand labeling rules (varietal vs. regional labeling)

Weeks 7-8: Review and Practice

• Take full practice exams under timed conditions
• Focus on weak areas identified through practice
• Review sparkling and fortified wines (these are often overlooked but do appear on the exam)

Study Strategies That Actually Work

Make Grape Variety Comparison Charts

The exam loves to test whether you can distinguish between similar grapes. Build comparison tables:

Learn the “Regional Fingerprint”

For each major region, know:

• Dominant grape(s)
• Climate type (cool, moderate, warm)
• Key wine styles
• Classification level
• One or two signature wines

For example: Barolo = Nebbiolo, continental climate, full-bodied red with high tannin and acidity, DOCG, often described as “tar and roses.”

Use Spaced Repetition

This is the single most effective study technique for Level 2. The sheer volume of facts – grape names, regions, flavor profiles, classification levels – is best retained through spaced repetition rather than cramming.

The concept is simple: review material at increasing intervals. New or difficult material gets reviewed more frequently; material you know well gets reviewed less often. It’s backed by decades of cognitive science research and it works significantly better than re-reading notes.

Sommo has built-in WSET exam prep with spaced repetition flashcards based on the SM-2 algorithm. The flashcards cover grape varieties, regions, winemaking processes, and classification systems – essentially the entire Level 2 syllabus organized into reviewable decks. The app tracks your progress and automatically schedules reviews based on how well you know each card. It’s genuinely useful for this kind of factual recall.

Taste Systematically

If your course includes tasting sessions, take them seriously. Practice the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT):

1. Appearance: Clarity, intensity, color
2. Nose: Condition, intensity, aroma characteristics
3. Palate: Sweetness, acidity, tannin, body, flavor intensity, finish
4. Conclusions: Quality, readiness for drinking

Even outside class, taste wines with the SAT framework in mind. It trains your palate and reinforces the theoretical knowledge.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Confusing grape and region names. Chablis is a region (the grape is Chardonnay). Barolo is a region (the grape is Nebbiolo). Chianti is a region (the grape is Sangiovese). The exam will test this distinction repeatedly.

Ignoring the “why.” Don’t just memorize that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is aromatic and pungent – understand why (cool but sunny climate, long ripening season, specific soil types). The exam tests understanding, not just recall.

Neglecting sparkling and fortified wines. They’re a smaller portion of the syllabus, but questions about them do appear. Know the basics of how Champagne is made (traditional method), how Port is made (fortification), and how Sherry styles differ.

Not practicing under exam conditions. 50 questions in 60 minutes sounds generous, but some questions require careful reading. Practice with a timer. Get used to the pace.

Over-studying minor details. Level 2 is broad, not deep. You don’t need to know every sub-region of Burgundy or every Sherry solera system detail. Focus on the key facts for each topic.

Practice Questions

Test yourself with these sample questions (answers at the bottom):

1. Which grape variety is used to make Barolo?
2. What is the minimum alcohol level that classifies a wine as “fortified”?
3. In which country is Marlborough a major wine region?
4. What flavor is commonly associated with oak-aged wines?
5. Which of the following is a white grape: Garnacha, Albariño, Gamay, Pinotage?

Answers: 1) Nebbiolo, 2) 15% ABV (approximately – fortified wines are typically 15-22%), 3) New Zealand, 4) Vanilla (also toast, spice), 5) Albariño

What Comes After Level 2?

If you pass Level 2 and catch the wine education bug, Level 3 is the next step. It’s a significant jump in difficulty – the exam includes short-answer written questions and a blind tasting assessment. Level 3 requires deeper understanding, not just broader knowledge.

Between Level 2 and Level 3, many people benefit from spending time tasting widely and building their palate. This is where keeping a detailed tasting journal pays dividends. Every wine you taste and record is data that makes you a better taster.

Get Exam-Ready

WSET Level 2 is achievable for anyone willing to put in consistent study over a few weeks. The key is structure: organized flashcards, systematic tasting practice, regular review, and plenty of practice questions.

Sommo’s WSET exam prep feature was built specifically for this. The spaced repetition flashcards adapt to your progress, the practice quizzes mirror the exam format, and the mock exams let you simulate test conditions before the real thing. Combined with your course materials and some dedicated tasting practice, you’ll walk into that exam room confident.

Photo by L E on Unsplash