Preparing for your first sommelier tasting exam? You’re not alone if you feel equal parts excited —
and totally overwhelmed.

Whether you’re aiming for WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), or the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), the tasting portion can feel intimidating if you don’t know what to expect.

Here’s what every first-timer should know—plus how the OSU Wine Workshop can help you walk into your exam with confidence.

1. What to Expect from a Sommelier Tasting Exam

Tasting exams vary by certification body, but most involve a blind tasting where you’ll evaluate one or more wines and describe their appearance, aroma, flavor, structure, and origin.

WSET Level 2+ and CMS both emphasize:

• Accurate sensory description
• Structural assessment (acid, tannin, body, alcohol, finish)
• Deductive reasoning to identify grape variety, origin, and quality

You’re not just tasting—you’re analyzing under pressure.

Learn more - 

• WSET Tasting Grid (PDF)
  
  
• CMS Deductive Tasting Method

2. Master the Deductive Tasting Method

The best sommeliers don’t “guess” wines—they break down the tasting process using logic and structure.

Typical flow:

• Sight: Clarity, intensity, color
• Nose: Aromas (primary, secondary, tertiary), intensity
• Palate: Acidity, tannin, alcohol, body, flavor profile

• Conclusion: Quality, age, grape, possible origin

3. Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistakes most first-timers make:

• Jumping to conclusions too fast
• Over-focusing on guessing the grape instead of describing what’s in the glass
• Ignoring structure: acidity, tannin, alcohol
• Forgetting to talk out loud during practice

4. Train Your Palate with Intention

Your palate is a muscle—train it with repetition and curiosity.

Practice tips:

• Taste with others and compare notes
• Keep a journal: track acidity, tannin, flavor notes
• Taste the same grape from different regions (e.g., Oregon Pinot Noir vs. Burgundy)
• Use aroma kits or cook with fresh herbs, spices, and fruits to build scent memory

5. Tools That Help You Practice Like a Pro

• ISO or universal tasting glasses
• Blind tasting bags or sleeves
• Reusable CMS or WSET tasting grids
• Flashcards for varietal traits and structure
• OSU’s downloadable Wine Tasting Guide

6. Mindset: The Secret Sauce for Tasting Success

Even with technical skill, nerves can sabotage your first exam. Experts recommend:

• Visualizing the tasting room and process
• Practicing breathing and slow pacing
• Starting with what you do know (e.g., “This is clearly high acidity”)

• Believing in your method over your memory

7. Use the OSU Wine Workshop as a Launchpad

Before attempting a formal exam, it’s wise to build your foundational tasting skills in a supportive, expert-led setting. That’s exactly what Oregon State University’s Wine Workshop: Sommelier Prep & Wine Hospitality Essentials is designed for.

Here’s how it helps:

• Taste and evaluate multiple wines across major styles and regions
• Learn how structure (acidity, tannin, body) affects perceived quality
• Build tasting vocabulary and pattern recognition
• Practice analyzing wine with real-time guidance
• Gain confidence in a low-stakes, hands-on environment

8. What the Pros Wish They Knew

We asked experienced sommeliers and instructors: What’s one thing you wish you'd known before your first tasting exam?

• “Don’t chase the grape—just describe what’s in the glass.”
• "Structure matters more than fancy flavor notes.”
• “Trust your grid, not your gut reaction.”
• “Relax. No one gets it all right the first time.”

Final Sip

Your first tasting exam doesn’t have to be scary. With structure, sensory training, and hands-on practice, you’ll show up prepared—and excited.

So swirl, sniff, and sip with purpose—and consider investing in a workshop that builds your foundation for success.