How to play Options. Rules for the wine guessing game
Share
The wine guessing game known as "Options" was created and popularised by legendary Australian wine writer and educator, the late Len Evans. I had the pleasure of meeting Len and he really was larger than life; a great ambassador. Options is one of the most enjoyable and educational mystery wine tasting games ever devised because it allows wine novices and experts to compete together.
I have seen this game played in restaurants I was working in where all participants start standing up, and anyone answering incorrectly sits down until the winner is simply the last person left standing... and I have seen senior wine makers sitting down after the first question so anything is possible.
How to Play the Wine "Options" Game
Equipment Needed
- 1 or more bottles of wine served without anyone seeing (bottles wrapped or concealed in a paper bag for example)
- Wine glasses for all participants
- Pens and answer sheets (optional if you start by standing up as mentioned above)
- A host or "Options Master"
- A scoring sheet if playing competitively
Basic Rules
Step 1: Serve the Wine without anyone seeing the label or bottle
The host pours a mystery wine without revealing the label.
Participants taste, smell, and assess the wine.
Step 2: The Host Asks Multiple-Choice Questions
The host progressively asks questions about the wine, starting broadly and becoming increasingly specific. Each question usually offers two or three possible answers, with only one being correct.
Example sequence:
Question 1
- Is this wine:
- A) Old World
- B) New World
Question 2
- Is this wine from (for example):
- A) France
- B) Australia
- C) Italy
Question 3
- Is the grape variety (for example):
- A) Shiraz
- B) Cabernet Sauvignon
- C) Pinot Noir
Question 4
- Is the region (for example):
- A) Barossa Valley
- B) Margaret River
- C) Yarra Valley
Question 5
- Is the vintage (for example):
- A) 2018
- B) 2020
- C) 2022
Question 6
- Is the producer (for example):
- A) David Franz
- B) Brockenchack
- C) Purple Soul
Traditional Elimination Format
In the original Len Evans version:
- Players answer each question.
- Anyone answering incorrectly is eliminated from subsequent rounds for that wine.
- Remaining players continue until the wine is completely identified or only one player remains.
Team Competition Format
Many wine clubs use teams of four.
For each wine:
- One team member tastes alone and answers an individual question worth bonus points.
- The wine is then poured for the entire team.
- The host asks four or five multiple-choice questions.
- Teams discuss and submit their answers.
- Points are awarded for correct answers.
Typical Scoring System
A simple scoring system could be:
| Question | Points |
|---|---|
| Broad question | 1 point |
| Country | 2 points |
| Variety | 2 points |
| Region | 3 points |
| Vintage | 3 points |
| Producer | 5 points |
Highest score after all wines wins.
Example "Options" Sequence for an Australian Shiraz
- White or Red?
- Old World or New World?
- Australia, France or USA?
- Cool Climate, Warm Climate or Mediterranean Climate?
- Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon or Grenache?
- Barossa, McLaren Vale or Heathcote?
- 2019, 2021 or 2023?
- Producer: Henschke, Torbreck or Two Hands?
Tips for Hosting a Great Options Night
- Start with easier wines for beginners.
- Progress from broad questions to narrow questions.
- Include both white and red wines.
- Encourage discussion and debate.
- Use wines with clear varietal and regional character.
- Mix commercial and boutique wines.
- Keep the atmosphere fun rather than overly serious.
The beauty of Options is that players gradually learn how to identify wine by assessing structure, aroma, flavour, region, variety, producer style, and vintage. It remains one of the finest educational wine games ever created.
Have Fun.