Mustard Season

Napa has a very special seasonal secret. Every year just before spring, the ground between the vines comes alive with bright mustard blooms. Here in Rutherford, we are treated to a vibrant show of yellows and oranges right outside our door. 

These flowers aren’t just for show however, read on to learn how the mustard helps protect and nourish the vines.

• Mustard has naturally high levels of biofumigants that help keep away microscopic worms called nematodes that like to munch on the vine’s roots.
• Biodiversity is crucial to a vineyard’s overall health and the mustard attracts pollinators and other critters that help make the vineyard a complete and healthy ecosystem.
• On steep, sloped terrain the mustard helps prevent erosion and nutrient run-off.
• On flatter ground, it helps regulate moisture, especially when the soil can’t drain well on its own.
• Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for healthy soil and mustard is excellent at recycling it.