Once an ambitious dream, Bodegas Can Rich is today a jewel in Ibizan viticulture. Since planting their first roots in 1997, the family-run vineyard located in the rural outskirts of San Antonio has blossomed into a thriving producer of contemporary organic wines.
From vine to glass, Can Rich upholds an ethos of ecological farming that protects and nurtures the local land, crafting wines that capture the authentic flavours of Ibiza.
All throughout the year, visitors are invited to join Can Rich’s guided tour and tasting experiences, gaining passionate insight into the ancient artistry of winemaking and the chance to sample the wines straight from the source.
As self-confessed wine lovers, the team were more than happy to take up the invitation to taste for ourselves.
Can Rich vineyard and winery
Starting in the picturesque vineyard, we received a warm welcome from our expert guide and winery Director, Álvaro.
As we wandered the original of Can Rich’s two estates on Ibiza, which spans 17 hectares of vineyard and 300 olive trees, we were impressed by the range of produce made onsite, which not only includes organic wines, but also extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and White Isle favourite, Hierbas.
Álvaro then enlightened us to the second estate on the south coast of Ses Salines, explaining how the Mediterranean sea air impacts the grape harvest, and even the final taste of the wine, in contrast to the inland vines rooted in Ibiza’s limestone-rich soil.
Inside the winery is where the magic happens, where meticulous steps of preparation, pressing, and fermentation bring each vintage to life.
Can Rich thoughtfully blend sustainable modern practices with traditional methods inspired by the Phoenicians, who first brought winemaking to Ibiza thousands of years ago. Preserving the island’s native grape varietals for generations to come.
Stepping into the cool wine cellar, you couldn’t miss the rich woody aroma of the ageing reds resting in traditional barrels carved from American and French oak for subtle differences in depth and character.
It’s fair to say that if we weren’t already in the mood for a glass of vino, we certainly were now.
A taste of Can Rich
With a newfound appreciation for the artistry behind every bottle, it was time to take on the role of sommeliers for the afternoon and indulge in Can Rich’s wine tasting experience.
First to pour was the Can Rich Blanc. An elegant and crisp white wine which makes for a refreshing summer’s day drink, with playful notes of citrus and a gentle floral essence.
The perfect match to our idyllic countryside backdrop, enjoyed from the villa terrace where Àlvaro kindly answered our somewhat novice questions.
When the debate turned to whether or not you should add ice to a glass of wine, he smiled and said, “As long as people are drinking and enjoying wine, I don’t mind.”
Soon, a tasty spread of traditional Spanish appetisers arrived. The homemade bread drenched in Can Rich’s extra virgin olive oil and olive-enriched sea salt from Ses Salines was simple yet sumptuous.
This was then followed by a platter of different cheeses, seasoned with fennel and thyme and topped with nuts and apricots, alongside a selection of traditional cured meats.
All sourced from local producers, the food was utterly delicious and well worth the extra charge for the full tasting experience.
As we tucked in, it was time to pop the cork on our second wine, the Can Rich Rosat d’Àmfora. The aromatic rosé, with hints of summer berries, hit the spot and even impressed those at our table who usually shy away from a rosé for its often-indulgent sweetness.
We then moved on to Can Rich’s collection of reds, each with a distinct palette and ideal serving temperature.
The Can Rich Negre presented a more youthful wine that was lighter and silkier to taste, and served slightly chilled. Next, the Negre d’Àmfora, aged for 12 months in a terracotta amphora, offers a deeper, fruitier mouthful.
Then came the Can Rich Lausos. A warmer, full-bodied pour with a rich plummy profile that made it impossible to resist a second glass.
To mark the occasion, we shared a final toast with two special offerings. First, the Can Rich Brut Blanc de Blancs, a vibrant sparkling wine with punchy notes of orange blossom, rose, and candied apricot.
Finally, a shot of Hierbas Ibicencas, labelled Can Rich de Buscastell. The amber liqueur is distilled onsite with 17 wild herbs, including thyme, peppermint, and fennel, and captures the authentic flavours of the Ibizan countryside.
Between us, we have tried many a chupitos in our time, but we all agreed that this was the softest and smoothest Hierbas any of us has raised a glass to. A perfect end to a fantastic afternoon in the charming company of Can Rich Winery.
Two hours spent wining, dining, and learning about one of the world’s oldest crafts makes for a wonderful way to learn more about the island and its vinification.
For more information and to book your guided tour and tasting experience, visit Bodegas Can Rich.
