About
Plomari has long been regarded as the ouzo capital of Greece, and no name is more synonymous with the town's distilling heritage than Barbayannis. The Barbayannis ouzo distillery is one of the oldest and most celebrated in Lesvos, with roots stretching back into the nineteenth century. A visit to their store in Plomari is as much a cultural experience as it is a shopping stop — here, the craft of producing ouzo from anise and locally sourced botanicals is not just a business but a living tradition passed down through generations.
At the store, visitors can browse and purchase a range of Barbayannis ouzo expressions, from the classic clear variety to aged versions that take on a warm amber hue from time in the barrel. Staff are typically happy to guide guests through the differences and explain the distillation process that sets Lesvos ouzo apart from imitations produced elsewhere. The shop also makes an excellent place to pick up a beautifully packaged bottle as a gift or a personal souvenir of the island.
Stepping inside feels like an entry point into Plomari itself — the town's identity is inseparable from its ouzo, and Barbayannis sits at the heart of that story. Whether you are a seasoned ouzo drinker or simply curious about one of Greece's most iconic spirits, this store offers an authentic and unhurried encounter with a tradition that has shaped this corner of Lesvos for well over a century.
Before you go
What to expect
The scent of anise reaches you the moment you step through the door. Bottles of every Barbayannis expression line the shelves — clear, golden, and deep amber barrel-aged varieties — and the staff take genuine time to walk you through each one without any pressure to buy. It feels less like a gift shop and more like a tasting room that has always been part of the town.
Best time to visit
Open year-round; visit in spring or early autumn to avoid coach-tour groups and enjoy a more unhurried conversation with staff.
How to get there
Plomari is roughly a 40-to-45-minute drive from Mytilene along the southern road that winds through the hills; the store sits in the town centre and is easy to find on foot once you arrive.
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