Mustard as a "cover plant" in Napa?

Question

I have friends in Napa, Ca that I visit frequently. They joke that the purpose of the “Napa Valley Mustard Festival” is to keep the tourist coming during the off-season.

I know what a “cover plant” is. But:

“What specific benefits do the mustard plants provide to the vineyards or grape vines (vs. any other plant choice)?”

Thanks in advance.

Def “cover plant”: Cover crops are grown to protect and improve the soil, not to harvest. Cover crops have the potential to improve soil tilth, control erosion and weeds, and maintain soil organic matter. They can reduce compaction and increase water infiltration, which decreases leaching of nutrients.

Answer 1

found this insteresting article for you. oddly enough the mustard plants that you see growing as cover crops are not the same mustard that produces mustard the condiment. Really there isn't any logic to why mustard is used in place of anything else, other than it just looks very pretty.

The most important thing that maybe is the reason mustard is used most is erosion control. Napa floods A LOT, and mustard plants keep the soil in tact and also provide great nutrients to the vines.