Ouzo is produced by the remnants of the production of wine with ethyl alcohol enriched with aromatic substances like anise, mastic and other aromatic herbs that enrich ouzo with a unique and distinctive flavour and aroma. It took its name in Marseille, yes in France! In 1870 Greeks sent ounces of the drink to Marseilles with other products like soaps, oils, etc. Genoese customs wrote the barrels “uso in Marsilla” meaning to be consumed in Marseille but the merchant of the city understood it completely differently and the drink took the name Uso or Ouzo as it is used to be written.

This unique drink is produced exclusively in Greece and Cyprus (Plomari and Mytilene in Lesvos) and it’s protected by EU regulations as a “geographical indication product”. And maybe Ouzo is bottled all over the greek country but Lesvos is the queen of the drink in terms of quality, quantity of distilleries and of course reputation! The island has 17 different distilleries that produce ouzo and of course has the three top brands (Ouzo Plomari, Ouzo Mini, Ouzo Barbayanni) while also keeping more sophisticated brands like Pitsiladi and Papatzim.

In Lesvos and in particular, in Plomari you can visit two exceptional museums of Ouzo (The world of Ouzo Museum and Greek Ouzo Barbayanni Museum) where one can watch and learn the distillery process of the drink, learn its unique history, and indulge himself in local and fresh ouzo production.

All in all, ouzo is a drink you should definitely try when in Lesvos BUT following our tips! It is usually drunk with ice and/or water in small long glasses. It should be enjoyed slowly and always with mezedes (small snacks) as it is a strong sweet drink that can easily get you drunk without realizing it! “Ouzo cheers the heart” as older Greeks used to say and we totally agree! If you want recommendations and suggestions, your Avance local advisor would be happy to help you!

Word Ouzo Museum

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-13.00. Guided tour every hour.

Entrance fee: 2 euros

Location: Kampos Plagias, Plomari, Lesvos

Tel: +30 22520 31450

Greek Ouzo Barbayanni Museum

Opening Hours: April 1st- October 15th: Monday-Friday 09.00-16:00

October 16th-March 31st: Monday-Friday 10.00-14.00

Entrance: Free

Location: Plomari 81200 Lesvos

Tel: +30 22520 32741