Why do mustard flowers grow in Napa Valley? Biodiversity! Mustard is planted between vineyard rows as a cover crop to protect the soil and replenish it with nutrients, while also attracting beneficial insects, preventing erosion, and warding off grapevine pests.
Here’s to the Season Between the Seasons
Every January to March, Napa Valley springs to life with an explosion of wild mustard blooms, carpeting rows of vineyards with bright yellow flowers and ushering in a new growing season.
Mustard season is one of the best-kept secrets in wine country!
Grab your selfie sticks and follow the map below for the very best mustard season photo op spots.
Mustard Season Map
January–March
Use this handy map as a guide to find areas in Napa Valley where the mustard flowers typically bloom. Please remember, Mother Nature dictates this! Location and duration of blooms are not guaranteed, but have your cameras ready for those picture perfect opportunities!
Napa Valley Mustard Celebration
Art, Wine, and a Celebration of the Season
Specials & Events Valley-Wide and All Season Long
#WildMustardDays
Mustard Season FAQ
Where can I see mustard flowers in Napa Valley?
You can see yellow fields of mustard throughout the vineyards and fields in Napa Valley. Start by driving on Hwy 29 or Silverado Trail.
You can stop for photo ops along public roads, but be sure to pull safely off the road, avoid private property, and please be mindful of the grapevines (they’re still sleeping!).
Download the mustard season map for a self-guided adventure.
When do wild mustard flowers bloom?
Generally, the mustard bloom in Napa Valley lasts from January through March - depending on the weather - and peak viewing usually occurs in mid-February.
The mustard bloom is quickly followed by bud break in the vineyards, signifying the start of a new growing season.
What are the yellow flowers that bloom in Napa Valley?
Mustard blooms! These tiny yellow flowers are the first sign of spring in wine country.
Blanketing rows of vineyards with a carpet of vibrant yellow, the mustard bloom is an unexpected, and truly spectacular, sight to see.
What else is there to do during mustard season?
It’s pretty amazing that spring in Napa Valley begins in February — it’s the best time to get outside and enjoy mild weather, beautiful hiking and biking trails, kayaking on the Napa river, birding in the wetlands, Napa’s Lighted Art Festival, the Yountville Short Film Festival, and more.