The Barbayanni family originated from Odessa, Russia, before settling in Plomari to master the art of anise distillation.
Plomari is geographically protected as a traditional hub for Ouzo production, with the museum documenting the specific water sources and botanicals used in the spirit.
The museum preserves the very first copper still that arrived at the facility in the mid-19th century.
The Barbayanni family holds a specific distillation secret passed down through five generations, which is partially illustrated through the display of ingredients in the museum.
The museum building occupies the footprint of the original 1860s distillery structure.
The Barbayanni Ouzo Museum is located at the original 19th-century distillery site in Plomari, Lesvos, the historical cradle of Ouzo production. Visitors can view the original 1858 distillation equipment used by Efstathios J. Barbayannis to create the first Ouzo recipes. The museum displays the evolution of Ouzo bottling and labeling techniques throughout the 20th century. It houses the first mechanical press and copper stills employed by the Barbayanni family. The facility integrates historical exhibits with an active production plant, allowing guests to observe ongoing operations. The collection includes rare historical documents, family photographs, and antique tools used in anise-based spirit production. It is situated on the road connecting Plomari to Mytilene. The site remains a family-operated institution, maintaining the distillation traditions established over five generations.
Beside the original, large-scale 19th-century copper stills displayed in the primary exhibition room.
Combine your visit with a tasting session in the adjacent shop to compare different Barbayanni Ouzo labels.
Ask the staff about the specific botanical ingredients sourced from the Lesvos hillsides.
Visit during the weekday to have a higher chance of seeing the distillery staff working with the bottling equipment.
Do not skip the tasting section, as it is integral to understanding the differences between the historical production methods described in the museum.
Operating hours are reduced during the winter season; check ahead for weekend accessibility.
