Visit us this time of year and you’ll be blown away by the brilliant yellow Mustard flowers exploding across Sonoma Valley, known more poetically as the Valley of the Moon. Mustard season is one of the most stunning times of year to tour area wineries, especially because the beauty is fleeting. In a few weeks’ time the blooms will be gone.
Here, planting mustard isn’t just about aesthetics. Since grapes aren’t rotated crops, vintners plant field mustard and other plants, like wild radish and fava beans, to help replenish the soil with nutrients and just the right amount of nitrogen. (Nitrogen encourages foliage growth so farmers are careful not to add too much.) Mustard plants also suppress weeds and pests, and their roots help break up compacted soil so vines can receive nourishing rainwater.
Mustard season is truly my favorite time of year, so I’m spotlighting some favorite wineries and notable nearby spots to bring clients to while they’re here basking in the blooms. There are 19 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in Sonoma County. This one, the Valley of Moon, is known for its Cabernets, but their Petite Sirah, Tannat, Syrah, and Zinfandel are worth showing up for as well.
BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY
Benziger Family Winery is an 85-acre ranch perched on the slopes of Sonoma mountain. Truly one of the prettiest vineyards ever! Ahead of their time, Benzinger began utilizing organic and biodynamic farming methods in the mid ‘90’s. They offer a portfolio of award-winning wines that are certified sustainable. I always recommend folks take a tour here. To see the vines up close and personal and learn about the biodynamic farming techniques, you can’t beat the Tractor Tour. My favorite, however, is the Tribute tour, which offers an elevated experience visiting Benziger’s caves with a small sized group where you can taste reserve wines.
NEARBY NOSH
Just a 3-minute drive down the hill from Benziger is Les Pascals, a wonderful spot to eat. This bakery and pastry shop - named after its very nice proprietor with a lovely French accent - has the best almond croissants I’ve ever eaten. Other offerings include assorted French-style baguette sandwiches (Butter, Ham and Cheese, Roast Beef, Prosciutto and Brie, Turkey with Crispy Onion and Veggies) soups, quiches, and more.
B. WISE VINEYARDS
For folks who’ve never been to B. Wise Vineyards, I recommend starting with the tasting room in Kenwood. With Brion Wise’s attention to quality and detail, you’ll fall in love with these exceptional wines and likely buy a bottle or two or join the club while you’re there. Once you’re sold on these wines, make your way up Moon Mountain to The Estate Cave. B. Wise’s estate is perfect for folks who want to relax in a creative, romantic environment. Proprietor Ronda Wise is also an interior designer. This magazine-worthy space has a beautiful collection of art, fine furniture, and carpets. You’ll wish you could hire her to decorate your home!
HAMEL FAMILY WINES
Another organic vineyard, perfect for those that want an elevated tasting experience, is Hamel. You can’t go wrong with any of their limited-production, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon blend, or Sauvignon Blanc, and their food pairings are spot on. Their executive chef, Thomas Mendel, recently won Best Young Chef in the World at the 2024 World Young Chef, Young Waiter, and Young Mixologist competition. In the modern tasting room, the atmosphere is elegant and relaxing, and the experience of touring their wine caves is exceptional. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending an industry event here that featured an astronomer who showed us Saturn and the grouping of stars that Subaru used in its logo. All that, and if you happen to be associated with the University Of Wisconsin, you’ll surely love the badger sculpture that sits at the entrance.
VJB CELLARS
VJB is often referred to as “a hidden gem.” Founded by first-generation Italian brothers, Henry and Victorio Belmonte, VJB has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like Tuscany in California. Along with wine, they offer Italian fare - paninis, wood-fired pizza, ribs, gelato, charcuterie, arugula salad, you name it. For VJB’s wine tastings, Italian varietals are the highlight. And I especially love their Prosecco! Those in the know may also enjoy a chocolate and wine pairing. (I suggested the idea since they have a chocolate shop on site and I’m happy to say they ran with it!)
WHAT ELSE TO DO
In order to see how the Valley of the moon lives up to its name, I recommend visitors check out Robert Ferguson Observatory. Situated in beautiful Sugarloaf Ridge State Park where there’s ample hiking, the observatory hosts all sorts of viewing events. At “star parties” you can learn about the cosmos from trained docents as you gaze at the night sky through a variety of telescopes.
Would you like a curated tour that brings you through the mustard blooms? Reach out! I’d love to put together an itinerary that suits all your needs.
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