Florence's historic wine windows are making a comeback 

This trend, from over 500 years ago, is having a second renaissance.

With its Renaissance art, historical significance and vibrant culture, the charm of Florence is felt at every turn when walking through its cobbled streets. And part of this charm is being revived with the resurgence of wine windows, or buchette del vino as they’re better known in Italy.

This 500-year-old tradition offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past and yet another reason to fall in love with this cultural treasure.

What are wine windows?

Buchette del vino are small dome-shaped apertures (typically measuring about 30cm wide and 40cm high) found in historical or architectural buildings in Tuscany. They were used by merchants, particularly noble ones, to pass through and sell goods like wine to passersby. They are now being rediscovered and restored as a playful and charming way to serve wine today.

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History of wine windows

Dating back to the 16th century, these windows were originally introduced by the ruler at the time, Cosimo de’ Medici, as a way to appease the public. Noble families were allowed to sell wine produced on their estates directly to consumers through these windows, without paying taxes. When the 1630-1633 epidemic hit, they provided an anti-contagion way to sell wine.

Wine windows have often been preserved as architectural features, but more recently have been put to use again, in part due to Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy series in which he visits the one at Babae Restaurant, and as a means to sell goods during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. As COVID has quietened down though, the use of these windows is still on the rise with travellers lining up to knock on the little door or press the bell and order a glass of local Chianti or other Tuscan varietals. 

These windows represent how wine is deeply rooted in Florence’s history and culture and showcase how integral local wine production and consumption is in Tuscany.

Order wine from a historic window. (Image: Getty Image/Giorgi Magini)

Where to find wine windows

There are more than 150 wine windows peppered within the city walls of Florence, with many of them being active. Most of them can be found in the Santo Spirito district and the city centre. One of the most famous is at Il Latini, one of Florence’s oldest restaurants, where you can get a glass while waiting for your table. Another popular spot is Cantina dei Pucci, just a 15-minute stroll from the Duomo, where you can pick up your buchette del vino and enjoy a drink on the terrace.