Written by Jesse & Cassie, Wine Scribes — Jesse holds a degree in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis and has made wine in Burgundy, Yarra Valley, California, Washington and the Douro Valley; Cassie holds WSET Level 2 with Distinction and assists Jesse with work in the vineyard and cellar.
WSET Level 1 is the entry point to the WSET qualification pathway, and it is genuinely accessible — designed for people who are new to wine and want a structured introduction. If you give it proper attention for a couple of weeks, you will pass. Here is what to focus on so you are not caught off guard on exam day.
What the WSET Level 1 Exam Covers
WSET Level 1 is a 30-question multiple-choice exam (some providers use slightly different formats — check with your APP). The syllabus covers five main areas: types and styles of wine, how wine is made, the main grape varieties and their characteristics, food and wine pairing principles, and storage and service. There is no tasting component. The pass mark is 70% — 21 correct out of 30 — which is higher than Level 2 proportionally, but the questions are considerably more straightforward.
How Long to Study
WSET recommends around 8–10 hours of study for Level 1. For most people with any prior wine interest, 6–8 focused hours spread across a couple of weeks is plenty. The course is typically delivered in one teaching day, and the exam follows on the same day or shortly after. Do not cram the night before — a steady pace over one to two weeks with a few practice quizzes works far better.
What to Focus On
Grape variety characteristics. You need to know the key characteristics of the major white grapes (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris/Grigio) and red grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache). For each: climate preference, acidity level, tannin level, typical flavour profile, and the main regions where they are grown. This is the core of Level 1 theory.
How wine is made. You do not need winemaking depth at Level 1 — just the basics. Understand the difference between white, red, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wine production. Know what fermentation does (converts sugar to alcohol), why red wines are fermented with the grape skins (to extract colour and tannin), and how sparkling wines get their bubbles (secondary fermentation).
Food and wine pairing. The Level 1 pairing principles are simple: match weight to weight (light wines with light dishes, full-bodied wines with richer food), consider acidity (high-acid wines cut through fat and work with acidic dishes), and remember that sweet wines pair with dessert. Tannic red wines are difficult with fish — know this one.
Storage and service. Serve whites cool, reds at room temperature (though slightly cooler than most people serve them — around 16°C rather than 20°C), sparkling wines well-chilled. Store bottles on their side to keep the cork moist. Away from heat, light, and vibration. This section is short and entirely memorisable.
On Exam Day
Read every question carefully. Level 1 questions are written straightforwardly, but some are designed to test whether you know the full picture — “Which of the following is not a characteristic of Pinot Noir?” is testing the same knowledge as a positive question but requires you to think it through. Never leave a blank — there is no negative marking.
If you have studied the textbook and done a few practice quizzes, you will pass. The goal at Level 1 is not just to pass but to build a solid foundation for Level 2, where the depth increases significantly.
Practice Quizzes
Work through the topic quizzes below — each one is free. When you are consistently scoring 90%+ on all of them, you are ready for the real exam.
WSET Level 1 Study Resource
Ace Your WSET Level 1 Exam
Our comprehensive PDF study guide covers every topic on the WSET Level 1 syllabus — 100 questions covering wine types, grape varieties, how wine is made, food pairing, and storage — written by Jesse & Cassie with real winemaking credentials and exam experience. Questions, answers, and detailed explanations in one download.
Get the Level 1 Guide — $19Or get all 3 levels for $59- WSET Level 1 Practice Quiz: Wine Types & Styles (2026)
- WSET Level 1 Practice Quiz: How to Taste Wine (10 Questions, 2026)
- WSET Level 1 Practice Quiz: Food & Wine Pairing (10 Questions, 2026)
- WSET Level 1 Practice Quiz: Wine Storage & Service (10 Questions, 2026)
WSET Level 1 is the most accessible qualification in the WSET pathway. With 8 to 10 hours of focused study using the official textbook and some practice questions, most candidates pass comfortably. The pass mark is 70% (higher than Level 2 proportionally) but the questions are significantly more straightforward. People with an existing interest in wine often need less study time than the recommendation.
WSET Level 1 is worthwhile as a starting point if you are new to wine and want a structured introduction. The qualification itself is entry-level and is not typically sufficient for hospitality employment on its own, but it provides the vocabulary and framework that makes Level 2 considerably easier. If you already have solid wine knowledge, you may want to consider starting at Level 2 directly.
WSET Level 1 is typically delivered in a single teaching day by an Approved Programme Provider, with the exam on the same day or shortly after. WSET recommends approximately 8 to 10 hours of total study time including the teaching session. It is the shortest qualification in the WSET portfolio.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is the natural next step after Level 1. It covers the major grape varieties, principal wine regions of the world, sparkling wines, and fortified wines in considerably more depth. Level 2 is a multiple-choice exam of 50 questions and is well-suited to wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and anyone considering working in the wine trade.
