Quick facts
Understanding the exam format
The WSET Level 2 exam is a closed-book, multiple-choice exam with 50 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Each question has four possible answers, and you need 55% (28 correct) to pass.
That gives you roughly 72 seconds per question. Most students finish with time to spare, but time management still matters — don't get stuck on any single question.
The ~90% pass rate means Level 2 is very achievable with consistent study. The key is understanding the material, not memorising answers.
Recommended study timeline (4-8 weeks)
Build foundations
Work through the course textbook chapter by chapter. Focus on understanding grape varieties and their key characteristics. Take chapter quizzes after each topic.
Deepen knowledge
Study wine regions in detail. Create mental maps linking regions to grape varieties. Practice identifying why a grape thrives in a specific climate.
Practice & review
Take practice quizzes daily. Use spaced repetition to review weak areas. Focus on winemaking techniques and food pairing principles.
Feedback exams
Take full feedback exams under timed conditions. Review every wrong answer. Focus final study sessions on your weakest chapters.
Key topics to master
Grape varieties are the single most important topic on the Level 2 exam. You need to know the key characteristics of each major variety, where it grows best, and what styles of wine it produces.
Grape varieties
Know flavour profiles, climate preferences, and key regions for each variety.
Wine regions
Link each region to its main grape varieties, climate type, and wine styles.
Winemaking
Understand fermentation, oak ageing, MLF, and how they affect the final wine.
Tasting & description
Know the WSET SAT terminology for appearance, nose, and palate.
Food & wine pairing
Understand the principles: match intensity, consider acidity, sweetness, and tannin.
Common mistakes to avoid
- !Confusing similar grape varieties — e.g. Syrah/Shiraz characteristics by region, or mixing up Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris styles.
- !Memorising facts in isolation instead of understanding the "why" — the exam tests understanding, not just recall.
- !Ignoring winemaking techniques — questions about MLF, oak ageing, and lees contact appear regularly.
- !Cramming at the last minute instead of spacing out study sessions over weeks.
- !Not practising under timed conditions before the exam.
Study strategy: active recall + spaced repetition
Research shows that active recall (testing yourself) and spaced repetition (reviewing at increasing intervals) are the two most effective study methods. Passive re-reading of notes is far less effective.
Active recall
After reading a chapter, close the book and quiz yourself. Use GrapeQuiz chapter quizzes to test your understanding immediately.
Spaced repetition
Don't just re-study wrong answers right away. GrapeQuiz automatically schedules reviews at optimal intervals so you see material just before you'd forget it.
Feedback exams
Take at least 3-4 full feedback exams before the real thing. This builds familiarity with the format and helps manage time pressure.
Practice with real exam-style questions
Try free WSET Level 2 sample questions — no signup needed.
Try sample questionsStart practising today
GrapeQuiz has hundreds of WSET Level 2 practice questions with instant feedback, feedback exams, and spaced repetition — all free.