Liparita was established in Napa Valley in the late 19th century when William Keyes, a geologist and wine lover, bought land in Napa that reminded him of the volcanic soil of the Lipari Islands near Sicily. Keyes made wine from Howell Mountain vineyards in the early 20th century but the estate closed during Prohibition, reopening in 1987 when it was purchased by San Francisco entrepreneur. In 2006 Spencer Hoopes, a wine collector and entrepreneur, purchased the estate. Today the estate sources grapes from several Napa Valley appellations and makes Cabernet Sauvignon.