Many people are now aware of Florence’s wine windows as they are a regular feature on the social media accounts of those who visit the city. These buchette del vino, once-ubiquitous windows through which one could purchase wine directly from noble families’ palaces, are dotted all throughout the city. In total, there are at least almost 200 known examples that still exist today, though only a small number are now functional once more.
A unique way to engage with Florence’s history and a fun foodie experience that may be a little bit touristy but is worth it nonetheless, this is one thing we think any wine-lover should add to their itinerary if they are booking a villa with pool in Florence!
Now that they’re so popular, however, you may have lots of questions. Here’s our complete guide to the wine windows of Florence!
What are wine windows?
Opening usually at waist level for pedestrians, the windows were designed to directly connect storage rooms beneath palaces to customers. Said customers could bring a jug, flask, or bottle to the window to pass through the opening along with some coins and buy right from the vineyards of noble families. This meant that the wine could be sold directly instead of through a merchant or market, increasing the profits from the vineyards that these families kept outside the city walls. Later, other items such as flour, meat, vegetables, olive oil, and more were also sold this way and charitable families also provided food and wine to poor citizens who knocked on the window for free.
Why did they reopen?
In August of 2019, a restaurant called Babae opened in the Santo Spirito neighbourhood and decided to also open the traditional wine window on their premises as a bit of a gimmick. The newly reopened buchetta del vino drew attention and spread across social media, drawing visitors. When the COVID social distancing measures lingered after initial lockdowns in 2020, more establishments also opened their wine windows until it became a true trend and now a popular tourist attraction in the city.
How many wine windows are open in Florence?
Now, at least 13 different establishments have wine windows that are used to a lesser or greater degree. This number continues to increase, with more and more businesses seeing the potential power for this to draw visitors. Luckily, this means that you have more choice now than ever and can find an option near you, one with smaller crowds, or even do a “wine window crawl” if you wish while you stay in one of our luxury villas in Florence!
What are the best wine windows to visit in Florence and where are they?
The list of currently open (or open upon request) wine windows located around the city includes:
Babae – This aforementioned location was made famous by its wine window and is a popular restaurant and bar that combines centuries-old culinary traditions in the city with modern twists. Book to sit indoors during your vacation in Florence or pop along as you please to experience the wine window.
Caffè Duomo – If you want to enjoy your wine from a wine window while taking in the city's iconic Duomo, you won't get any closer than this!
Caffè Odeon – Located inside a beautifully converted historic cinema that is now a bookshop, cinema, event space, coffee shop, restaurant, and bar and has become a popular tourist attraction in its own right, this wine window is one to tick off if you're already planning a trip to this gem.
Cantina De' Pucci – Featuring one of Florence's prettiest wine windows, this restaurant boasts lovely traditional interiors and incredible food.
DiVin Boccone – This amazing wine shop is an incredible place to go wine-tasting with an amazing curation of vintages to choose from as well as a wine window!
Fiaschetteria Fantappiè – This rustic winery and restaurant is located on Via dei Serragli, in the heart of the city, and offers an oasis of calm, great prices, excellent service, and delicious food as well as a wine window outside where you can ring for service.
Il Grande Nuti Trattoria – With a terrace, fresh handmade pasta that you can see being made through the front windows, and a wine window, this gem has everything you could need for an evening out on holiday in Florence.
Il Latini – Hung with cured meats, this traditional tavern-style restaurant in Florence is atmospheric and welcoming, as well as a true Florentine institution listed in the Michelin guide, that also has a wine window of its own.
La Buchetta Food&Wine – Another gem for those looking for a traditional Florentine experience, this cosy eatery has an extensive wine menu and its own wine window.
Osteria Belle Donne – Located a short distance from the Duomo, this pretty and rustic restaurant has both a wine window and a lovely terrace.
Osteria San Fiorenzo – This traditional eatery is located right in the centre of the city, not far from the Palazzo Vecchio, the Bargello, and several other wine windows, making it an easy one to include in a wine window crawl!
Ristorante Pietrabianca – Reimagining the flavours of Apulia through a Tuscan lens, this charming restaurant serves up seafood delights indoors and passes excellent drinks through its wine window.
Vivoli Gelateria – Switch things up by enjoying a viral affogato often labelled as one of the best in the world through the wine window in this gelateria located a short walk from the Palazzo Vecchio and the Bargello.