What’s in this article
Florence has always had a way of charming its visitors with the presence of great art, delicious gelato (in fact, one of the most popular flavours was made in this city), and tasty food.
But did you know that Florence still carries a secret?
I am referring to the “buchette del vino,” or wine windows.
What are the wine windows in Florence?
These are small openings on many old palaces’ walls since the seventeenth century and are called buchette del vino, finestre del vino (wine window), or even finestrelle del vino (little wine windows), by Florentines.
You may ask yourself: “what does wine have to do with these windows?”
Some noble families in Florence like Antinori, Frescobaldi and Rucellai were involved in winemaking.
Why?
Because manufacturing industry in town was declining and these smart fellas believed that it would be better off if they ventured into production of wines which seemed to be more stable business.
Wine windows naturally came up with an intelligent idea.
They enabled wines to be sold directly on the streets without involving intermediaries such as innkeepers.
And get this: some noble families even used them to secretly leave food and wine to the poor.
Nice, right?
So what did these buchette del vino (little wine holes) look like?
Imagine a small door, just big enough for a flask of wine, with a small arch at the top.
They usually had a stone frame and a small wooden door.
People sometimes called them “wine tabernacles” because they looked so simple and dignified.
Here’s a fun fact: these wine windows were not just a fashion.
They have existed for four centuries!
There is even evidence that they were used during the plague of 1634 to avoid spreading the disease.
Quite ahead of its time, isn’t it?
Fast forward to 2020 and these little buchette del vino are back in vogue during the COVID lockdown.
The famous Vivoli ice-cream parlour started serving coffee, drinks and ice cream through its historic wine window.
And guess what?
People loved it!
Three more businesses quickly jumped on the bandwagon.
How many of these wine windows are left in Florence today?
Thanks to the Buchette del Vino Cultural Association, we know that there are some 155 inside the city walls and 26 outside.
There are also 114 outside Florence!
Unfortunately, 10 have been walled up or destroyed over the years.
How to order from wine windows in Florence
Now I will explain how to order from a wine window in Florence.
It is a very nice experience, but there are a few things you need to know.
First of all, don’t be surprised if there is a queue when you arrive.
These places can be very busy!
If you are lucky and there are not many people, knock on the window or ring the bell to let them know you are there.
Most places have a menu hanging on the wall near the window. Convenient, right?
But if you don’t see one, simply ask the waiter what they have.
Usually it’s a mix of house wines (whites and reds) and seasonally appropriate drinks.
As for payment, most wine windows are quite modern and accept credit cards.
But it is always better to have some cash with you, just in case.
You know how it is with old-school establishments!
Once the drinks are ready, the waiter may ring for your attention.
Drinks will be handed out one at a time through that little window, so make sure your hands are free.
If you have ordered a lot, ask a friend to help you.
Did you get your drinks?
Perfect! Now, where to enjoy them?
This is important: be quiet and respect the locals, don’t stop on someone’s doorstep and block their way.
Why not take a walk around the block while sipping?
It’s a great way to see the neighbourhood.
And when you’re done, don’t forget to take the glass back to the window or go inside to return it.
It’s just good manners, you know?
How to find wine windows in Florence
Now, in the age of Instagram and likes, everyone wants in on the wine window action.
As of January 2024, nine places in Florence are using authentic wine windows to serve wine, coffee, aperitifs and ice cream.
It has become a real trend in the restaurant industry!
Let me tell you about these places:
1. Osteria delle Belle Donne
Near Santa Maria Novella, this place is known for its long queues of tourists waiting to take their wine from the finestrella del vino (little wine window.)
Google maps: Via delle Belle Donne, 16R, 50123 Firenze FI
2. DiVin Boccone
In Santo Spirito, it is a gourmet boutique where you can buy regional food and wine through their uniquely shaped window.
Google maps: Via delle Caldaie, 20, 50125 Firenze FI
3. Osteria San Fiorenzo
Knock on their window for a quick glass of Chianti.
Google maps: Borgo dei Greci, 1r, 50122 Firenze FI
4. Il Latini
One of the oldest restaurants in Florence, famous for its Florentine steak. You can get wine from the buchetta del vino while waiting for late friends.
Google maps: Via dei Palchetti, 6R, 50123 Firenze FI
5. Cantina de’ Pucci
Near the Duomo, this restaurant in the historic Palazzo Pucci serves Florentine cuisine and wine through the traditional wine window.
Google maps: Via de’ Pucci, 4, 50122 Firenze FI
6. Fiaschetteria Fantappiè
This colourful wine shop in San Frediano has been around since 1947 and still uses its well-preserved wine window.
Google maps: Via dei Serragli, 47, 50124 Firenze FI
7. Babae
A landmark for brunch and aperitifs. Ring a bell and order wine or drinks from their window. It is popular with tourists.
Google maps: Via Santo Spirito, 21R, 50125 Firenze FI
8. Pietrabianca Restaurant
Originally a fish restaurant, it now offers cocktails and bubbles from its little wine window.
Google maps: Piazza dei Peruzzi, 5R, 50122 Firenze FI
9. Gelateria Vivoli
One of the best ice-cream parlours in Florence, it started the trend of modern wine windows during the 2020 COVID lockdown. They serve ice cream instead of wine!
Google maps: Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r, 50122 Firenze FI
But that’s not all!
There are other places that have wine windows, even if they do not use them for their original purpose.
These include Odeon Bistro, La Buchetta Food&Wine, Cantina del Gelato, Le Botteghe di Donatello, Burgez, Gelateria Royale, Finisterrae, Trattoria Osteria da Que’ Ganzi and Ristorante Buca Lapi.
So, next time you are in Florence, keep your eyes peeled for these little windows in the walls.
They are not just nice places to photograph: they are a slice of Florentine history that is still alive today.
Who knows?
You might find yourself sipping Chianti straight from a centuries-old wine window. Cheers!
Want more beautiful places to sip and relax?
Check out my favorite rooftop bars in Florence-the views are incredible!
Still thinking about your Italian adventure?
I have a handy guide on planning your trip to Italy that will make things much easier.
And don’t miss the chance to book an Italy wine tour – it’s a must for wine lovers!
