Following the autumn’s harvest and after each vineyard has receded into winter dormancy, the first sign of a reawakening in Napa Valley is the glorious emergence of the mustard blooms signaling the coming of spring. Carpeting the landscape in brilliant yellow, mustard season is a great time to visit Yountville and the Napa Valley.

February’s mustard bloom shows Napa Valley in a whole new light and brings new things to do in Yountville. While photogenic at any time, the vineyards shine brightly in February as millions of mustard blooms blanketed the acres of sleeping vineyards rows.

As you drive, hike, or bike past the Yountville wineries and the endless mustard fields, make sure you take advantage of one of California’s most stunning photo ops.

Looking for Things to Do in Yountville

Napa Valley offers thousands of interesting and exciting activities throughout the year. In the winter, when the crowds are a bit less dense, visitors to Yountville enjoy the crisp, clear weather, the breathtaking scenery, delightful wineries, great lodgings and spas, and excellent restaurants.

To add even more awe-inspiring interest to your photos, reserve one of Napa Valley’s iconic hot air balloon rides. From the lofty perspective, you can photograph the fields of yellow punctuated by some of the Yountville wineries and the dramatic grey-green mountain backdrop.

How Did Mustard Plants Come to Thrive in Napa Valley?

Mustard is not indigenous to the Napa Valley Region. The colorful plants do grow in many areas of the world, notably in many of Europe’s wine-growing regions. According to the Napa Valley Register, the original mustard seeds were sown by Spanish-Mexican explorers in the early 1800s. The mustard-planting legends are not exactly clear as to whether the plantings were intentional or accidental, or whether they were meant for condiments, directional guidance, or only for wintertime aesthetics.

No matter the reason for their presence, the mustard plants provide excellent dormant-season groundcover for the vineyards that surround Yountville wineries.

And, the beautiful blooms offer another fantastic reason to visit Napa Valley during the winter months of January, February, and March.

Visit the Yountville Wineries and Bring Your Camera!

Whether you spend your mornings enjoying the panoramic splendor of Napa Valley from a hot air balloon or merely driving along Highway 29 beside the many vineyards and wineries of Napa Valley, allow time to take some photos. Seeing the region while coated in brilliant yellow is an experience that many have not enjoyed.

Take your time, relax, stop, and “smell” the mustard as you enjoy another outstanding visit to the Yountville and the Napa Valley.