Think You Know Wine? Take This 5-Question Quiz and Find Out

WINE-QUIZ-GRAPES2

From swirling to serving, wine can be a bit intimidating — especially when you're trying to talk tannins or pair a Pinot under pressure. But whether you're a hospitality pro or just someone who loves a good glass, there’s always more to learn.

This quick, 5-question quiz is a fun way to test your wine knowledge and see how your palate stacks up. No pressure — just a few sips of trivia to get you thinking like a sommelier.

Ready to raise your glass and your game? Let’s go!

Mini Wine Quiz

Think You Know Your Grapes?


TAKE OUR MINI WINE QUIZ

Put your palate to the test!

1. Which of the following is NOT a grape varietal?
  • A. Merlot
  • B. Chardonnay
  • C. Chablis
  • D. Cabernet Sauvignon
Answer: C. Chablis. It's a wine region, not a grape. Famous for Chardonnay!
2. How do rosé wines typically get their pink color?
  • A. By mixing red and white wines together
  • B. By using special "pink" grapes
  • C. By briefly letting red grape skins touch the juice
  • D. By aging the wine in oak barrels
Answer: C. Brief skin contact gives rosé its pink hue!
3. Which component causes the "mouth-drying" sensation in red wine?
  • A. Acidity
  • B. Alcohol
  • C. Tannins
  • D. Sugar
Answer: C. Tannins! Found in grape skins and oak barrels.
4. What is a fortified wine?
  • A. Sparkling wine
  • B. A wine with added sugar
  • C. A wine that has a distilled spirit added
  • D. Aged over 10 years
Answer: C. A fortified wine includes added distilled spirit, like Port or Sherry.
5. True or False: "Champagne" is just another term for sparkling wine.
  • Answer: False
Answer: False. Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France.

How did you score? If you missed a few, no worries — these are exactly the kind of fundamentals you'll master in our two-day workshop.

Learn more and register for the Wine Workshop

 

Want to take your wine knowledge to the next level?


Whether you aced the quiz or learned something new, Oregon State’s Wine Workshop: Sommelier Prep and Wine Hospitality Essentials is your next step.

In just two days, you’ll get hands-on training in:

  • How wine is made, tasted, and evaluated

  • Key grape varietals and global wine regions

  • Wine service, pairing techniques, and how to sell with confidence

Perfect for servers, bar managers, beverage buyers, and aspiring sommeliers.
You’ll walk away with a strong foundation — and a head start on certifications like WSET, CMS, or CSW.

 Learn more and register now

Media inquiries

If your publication would like to feature an Oregon State University PACE program, student or instructor, please contact Greg Aronoff.

Have a story idea?

We'd love to hear about it. Help us highlight the work of PACE students and Oregon State faculty and staff. Send an email with story suggestions or any questions.

Recent Posts