Ibiza bids farewell this week to Joan Riera ‘Aliso’, businessman and key figure in the renewal of the island’s wine sector, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 65 after a long illness. His project, Bodegas Can Rich, transformed the perception of Ibizan wine and paved the way for modern, quality production on the island.
Riera started the winery in 1999, together with his wife Stela González, after several years of preparation. At the end of the 1990s, when local wines were still suffering from prejudice and little recognition, Can Rich decided to demonstrate that competitive wines could be made in Ibiza, in line with current standards and with their own identity.
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A project that grew with the land
In the Buscastell area, its vineyards eventually became a regular feature of the agricultural landscape. The estate grew from
That vision allowed Can Rich to consolidate itself as a reference for wine and oil produced in Ibiza, connecting local tradition with modern practices.
A life marked by sailing and entrepreneurship
Before dedicating himself to wine, Riera was passionate about the sea. During his youth he competed with his boat, the ‘Aliso’, a name that would accompany him forever and that many on the island use to refer to him.
After training as an industrial engineer in Barcelona, he worked in the quarry d’en Cañas, the family business. Years later he started the winemaking project that would define his career and to which he remained linked until the end.
Last farewell
The wake will take place this Tuesday, November 25, at Pompas Fúnebres Ibiza, between 15:30 and 16:00 hours. The funeral ceremony will be held at 16:00 hours in the Parish Church of Santa Cruz, in Vila, where family, friends and representatives of the agricultural world will pay tribute to the promoter of one of the most emblematic wineries of the island.
