Every year, as the winter rains ease and the vines lie dormant, begins the start of one of the valley’s most enchanting, under‑the‑radar seasons. Known as Mustard Season, this annual event transforms vineyard landscapes into vibrant stretches of yellow where mustard flowers bloom between dormant vines, signaling the coming of spring and inviting visitors to experience a lesser-known side of wine country. If you’re staying with us at one of our Calistoga bed and breakfasts, you’ll be minutes away from the most vibrant blooms, seasonal tastings, and a slower, more colorful side of wine country.
What Is Mustard Season?
Mustard plants, often a mix of wild and intentionally planted cover crops, grow between rows of grapevines during the winter. Their brilliant yellow flowers enrich the soil, naturally help control erosion, and attract beneficial insects that support vineyard health.
This annual bloom is a visual cue that the valley is transitioning out of winter’s dormancy and preparing for the next grape growing cycle. With cooler weather, fewer crowds, and landscapes bursting in gold, mustard season offers a uniquely stunning backdrop for visitors looking for something truly special in Napa Valley.
Most mustard blooms occur from January through March, with mid‑February often offering the most expansive blankets of yellow. Since Mother Nature dictates the exact timing, plan a flexible itinerary and be ready to explore whenever the blooms are at their brightest.
Where to See Mustard Flowers in Napa Valley
There’s no official map for mustard season, but some of the most breathtaking displays are easily found if you know where to look. Your best bet is to crisscross the valley between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, using scenic connectors like Oakville Cross Road, Larkmead Lane, Dunaweal Lane, and Bale Lane. These routes take you right past rows of mustard-filled vineyards and some of the most iconic Napa Valley wineries.
Start your mustard-season adventure in Calistoga, where mustard flowers brighten vineyard rows near the base of Mount St. Helena and line peaceful roads just outside town. Sterling Vineyards offers one of the best vantage points for mustard views. Take the aerial gondola to the hilltop tasting room and look out over the valley floor blanketed in gold. This is the classic Napa Valley mustard season view.
As you make your way south, connect to Highway 29 or the quieter Silverado Trail via Oakville Cross Road. This route becomes a rolling sea of yellow between iconic wineries like Groth, Silver Oak, Far Niente, and Kelleher Family Vineyards, all just minutes from Mustards Grill, a favorite lunch stop during mustard season drives.
In Rutherford, fields around Quintessa, Round Pond Estate, and Frog’s Leap come alive with gold, especially mid-February through early March. These spots sit along Silverado Trail, making them ideal for scenic loops or wine tastings with a vibrant backdrop.
If you’re venturing toward neighboring regions, mustard fields continue to follow the road, stretching beyond Napa’s borders in early spring. No matter which direction you go, this in-between season transforms every turn into a postcard-worthy scene.
Mustard Celebration & Seasonal Events
As mustard season has become more popular with visitors and locals alike, interactive events and celebrations have grown around it, adding momentum to the visual spectacle:
The Napa Valley Mustard Celebration is a valley‑wide series of art, wine, food, and themed offerings honoring mustard season. From gallery exhibits to tastings and seasonal pairings, this celebration gives travelers a cultural way to mark the season.
Many resorts, tasting rooms, and restaurants create seasonal experiences to complement mustard blooms, from family‑friendly events and mustard‑inspired cuisine to special wine pairings and outdoor activities celebrating the visual beauty of the season.
Things to Do in Napa Valley During Mustard Season
While mustard flowers are a major draw on their own, they unlock a whole suite of things to do in Napa Valley that shine during this quieter, golden season:
Wine Tasting With a View
Mustard season pairs beautifully with visiting Napa Valley wineries. Many vineyards open their tasting rooms with outdoor lounges and patio experiences that allow you to drink amid the golden backdrop.
Scenic Drives & Outdoor Adventures
The mild winter‑to‑spring weather, combined with mustard blooms, makes for ideal drives along Highway 29, Silverado Trail, and other vineyard routes. Many travelers also take leisurely bike rides, hikes, or hot air balloon flights to see the mustard flowers from different perspectives.
Photography & Nature Walks
With clear winter skies and crisp views, mustard fields offer unforgettable photo opportunities. Plan a stroll or picnic among the blooms, or book a guided nature walk to learn more about the role these flowers play in the land.
Napa Valley Wine Train
For a more relaxed, immersive experience, some visitors choose scenic options like the Napa Valley Wine Train, where you can enjoy panoramic views of mustard‑coated vineyards while sipping wines and enjoying seasonal fare.
Napa Valley Bike Tours
Prefer to feel the breeze and stop for photos along the way? Guided bike tours let you cruise quiet vineyard roads with a local expert who knows all the best bloom spots. Companies like offer mustard-season rides where you can pedal through fields of gold, pause for tastings, and enjoy the slower rhythm of wine country on two wheels.
Festivals & Art
The mustard season festival circuit often includes winery‑hosted events, art shows, and themed tastings that bring this seasonal phenomenon to life through food, music, and community celebrations.
Plan Your Visit to See the Napa Valley Mustard Flowers
Timing your trip to coincide with mustard bloom is a great way to experience Napa Valley beyond peak summer and harvest crowds. With temperate weather and panoramic views, this season is perfect for couples, photographers, outdoor lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into wine country.
Whether you’re winding through vineyards, sipping at a winery patio, or stopping for a photo at golden fields, mustard season is a reminder that Napa’s charm isn’t only about grape harvests or vintage pours. It’s also about the natural cycles that make this region breathtaking year after year.
Book your stay and witness mustard season in all its glory. Napa’s golden fields will be waiting.