Following winter rains, mustard flowers turn Sonoma County vineyards and valleys a vibrant yellow, adding a pop of color to the local landscape and to Instagram feeds.
If you’d like to take in the scenery or capture it with your camera or smartphone, we’ve listed some of our favorite public places for mustard flower appreciation. To make sure you are satisfied in true Sonoma style, we’ve also included nearby places for a bite and a glass of wine.
Please be mindful of plants and wildlife and respectful of private property — no trespassing, of course.
Alexander Valley
Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley abounds with mustard flowers in late winter and early spring. Just after you turn from Alexander Valley Road onto Highway 128, both sides of the road are covered in bright yellow flowers.
Sonoma Valley
B.R. Cohn Winery’s iconic “mustard flower hill” turns yellow and white during spring, offering a gorgeous view during a drive down Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley. Just make sure to keep an eye on the road when driving past. Stop by the winery for a glass of Chardonnay. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com
Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood is covered in mustard flowers come February and March. Stop by Palooza Gastropub for craft beer and pub bites on their expansive patio. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-5501, kunde.com
Santa Rosa and Russian River Valley
The Joe Rodota Regional Trail between downtown Santa Rosa and Sebastopol borders yellow mustard fields in late winter/early spring. Stop alongside the road for some photos (please note that properties bordering the trail are private). Take the family for a bike ride to Sebastopol and stop by The Barlow for a snack or drink.
At Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa, watch outdoor sculptures surrounded by mustard in bloom. Then sip wine paired with small bites on the winery veranda. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com
Imwalle Gardens on Third Street in Santa Rosa is a small family-owned market surrounded by homes and, during spring, fields of mustard flowers. Pick up some picnic provisions at the market or flower starters for your garden. The mustard flowers grow on private property so please keep your distance. 685 W. Third St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-0279, facebook.com/p/Imwalle-Gardens-100057055376943
Laguna Environmental Center, located off Occidental Road near Sebastopol, is a good spot for mustard flower appreciation. During heavy rains, the area tends to flood, but across the street from the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the mustard flowers shine brightly. After admiring the mustard flowers, head to Balletto Vineyards for some sparkling brut rosé on the patio. 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-9277, lagunadesantarosa.org
Carneros Valley
Sonoma’s Carneros Valley has a cooler climate than other parts of the county, making it perfect for Pinot Noir and mustard flowers. The best view of the valley is from Gloria Ferrer Vineyards, where you can enjoy sparkling wines and Spanish tapas on a terrace overlooking mustard fields. 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-933-1986, gloriaferrer.com
Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast
In your search for mustard flowers, take a drive out to Dillon Beach on the Sonoma Coast. On Tomales Road in Petaluma, you will be able to enjoy a serene countryside landscape blanketed in mustard flowers and dotted with dairy farms. Make a pit stop at Petaluma Creamery in downtown Petaluma (711 Western Ave.) for some Spring Hill cheese curds before you head to the ocean.
Dry Creek Valley
West Dry Creek Valley Road offers more of an intimate country road experience than that of its parallel road, Dry Creek Valley Road. You can view mustard flowers along the road in late winter/early spring. With less cars on the road, it is a more relaxing route to travel — especially on bike. Visit Quivira Vineyards for wine and learn how bees pollinate the plants in their organic garden. Continue to Martorana Family Winery & Vineyards for a glass of Zin and Mounts Family Vineyards for breathtaking valley views and a glass of Grenache.
Looking for more spring flowers in Sonoma County? Check out where the season’s lupines are painting the county a vibrant purple.
