Each winter, Napa Valley trades its deep greens for a burst of golden yellow. Mustard season is one of the most anticipated sights of the year, and Calistoga is one of the best places to experience it.
If you are planning a scenic drive, a quick photo stop, or a tasting day with views, these three easy stops highlight some of the most beautiful mustard blooms near Calistoga.
3 Spots to See Mustard Bloom near Calistoga
1) Highway 29 near Bennett Lane Winery
This stretch of Highway 29 delivers classic Napa Valley views, with vineyard rows glowing yellow beneath Mount St. Helena on clear days. It is an easy drive by spot that still feels iconic, especially in the morning or late afternoon light.
2) Silverado Trail near Dunaweal Lane
Silverado Trail is one of the most reliable routes for mustard season. Long stretches of vineyards on both sides of the road often bloom at once, creating a continuous ribbon of yellow that feels especially dramatic from the car.
Note: Stay on public roads and do not step into vineyard rows.
3) Oat Hill Mine Trailhead
For a more immersive experience, the Oat Hill Mine Trail offers elevated views that make the mustard bloom feel even more expansive. A short walk can reveal sweeping perspectives of the valley, where yellow fields contrast beautifully with winter vines and rolling hills.
What Mustard Season Means for the Vineyard
Mustard plants are more than a beautiful backdrop. In the vineyard, they play a functional role during the winter months. Mustard helps improve soil health by adding organic matter, supporting beneficial insects, and naturally managing erosion between vine rows.
By early spring, the mustard is turned back into the soil, enriching the vineyard for the growing season ahead. What begins as a visual highlight of winter becomes part of the cycle that supports healthy vines and expressive wines.
Savor the Season in Calistoga
Whether you’re taking a winter drive through Calistoga or simply enjoying the view from home, mustard season is a reminder of Napa Valley’s quieter, more scenic side. It’s a fleeting moment that marks the transition from rest to renewal in the vineyard.
Pour a glass of Sterling, slow down, and take in the season — golden hillsides included.
