Enobytes Wine Blog

Winter begins one of the most visually stunning times of the year in wine country. As the weather continues to play games with us — sometimes pouring, sometimes a sunny 70+ degrees — without doubt, the Spanish Mustard masterfully brushes the vineyards with a brilliant coat of yellow. Though called "Mustard"it’s not the same mustard enjoyed on your hotdog (sorry).

Legend has it . . . Early California was only a wilderness, with great quantities of trees, beautiful plains, all kinds of wild animals and birds, and many American Indians occupied the wine country (it is widely believed, though not confirmed, the names Napa and Sonoma derived from American Indian tribal sayings).

In the 1700’s, Father Juinpero Serra had come from Spain to Mexico seeking to spread his religion. Hearing about this beautiful, vast country to the north, he decided to travel there and explore. With a few faithful followers and American Indian guides, he traveled through what is now the great state of California. As he traveled, the land was very rugged and somewhat confusing. So, myth suggests, he scattered to the right, and to the left, the mustard seeds that he had brought with him from Spain. The following year, they would walk along this ‘ribbon of gold’ as it became to be known. Continuing to follow this path again, Father Serra established his ‘Rosary of Missions,’ beginning in San Diego and ending in Sonoma. These Missions, most standing today, have become what we know as the beginning of Sonoma and, for the most part, California itself.

Now, myth or fact, the story is quite compelling. If you ever have or had the chance to stand near and gaze upon a field of Mustard carpeted amongst the vines, it is clearly one of the most stunning and picturesque times of the year in wine country. The only way I can describe it to you . . . it looks as if a large paintbrush descended from the heavens and carefully stroked bright yellow between the rows. The result is the perception of a brilliant sunshine emanating here from the earth itself.

So, next time your in wine country and your fortunate enough to see the Spanish Mustard, think to yourself that at one point many years ago the Spanish fathers may have walked right there.

Eric Guerra is founder of Eric Guerra wines and with years of wine industry experience is a wine professional and sommelier. Please visit him at www.ericguerrawines.com.