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Table of Contents:
- History of the Florence Wine Windows
- Map of Some of Florence’s Wine Windows (operational and non-operational)
- Half-day Wine Window Walking Tour
- References
- The Wrap up
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1. History of the Florence Wine Windows:
Buchette del Vino
Tucked into the stone walls of Florence’s historic buildings, wine windows (buchette del vino) tell a quirky tale from the Renaissance. Dating back to the 16th century, these small arched openings were created by noble families who sold wine directly from their cellars to avoid taxes and the middleman. During the black plague of the 17th century, they gained new importance, allowing for safe, contact-free transactions, these little windows became a great asset. Though many were forgotten or sealed up over time, a recent resurgence came about during Covid in 2020, when local bars reopened them to serve wine, coffee, snacks and even gelato, with minimal contact. These days the wine windows are back in the spotlight, more for their charming character and history, but have become a must-see for curious travelers wandering Florence’s ancient streets.
2. Map of Some of Florence’s Wine Windows, Some Operational and Some Non-Operational:
3. Half-day Wine Window Walking Tour:
Ancient Wine Window
For this walking tour, we’ve combined some operational and some non-operational wine windows, to give you a bigger selection and a little more fun, this walk covers approx. 5kms and about a walking time of an hour, but plan on a few hours to account for the eating, drinking and photo ops! There are approx. 161 wine windows within the city walls and about 10-12 are operational, with some selling wine, spritz, coffee, snacks, fish sandwiches, or even gelato. Depending on where you’re staying, your interest level and what you want to get out of this tour, (drinking wine, maybe taking photos, exploring some history or all of the above), you can start this tour at #1, do it backwards or start in the middle if it’s closer to where you’re staying. # 20 and #2 are good for wine and spritz, # 7 & #11 are good for gelato, and #19 & #4 are good for coffee and non-alcoholic drinks. If you do it in the morning it will be less crowded, if you do it in the afternoon, you can try more wine, you just might have to wait in a bit of a line, both work, it’s just a preference.
How to Order:
To order, simply knock or ring the bell, place you order and wait for your wine, snacks, coffee, gelato etc. Some places accept credit cards, but bring cash just in case as some may not. We’ve added hours to most operational wine windows, but they are subject to change, so check before you go. Most of the windows that only serve alcoholic drinks generally don’t open until the afternoon. Check out the links given for the operational wine windows below for the current hours.
Il Latini
Restaurant with Wine Window
#1. Il Latini: located at Via dei Palchetti, 6R, open during the week from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, same on the weekend, but also open from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, closed on Monday. This is a friendly tavern for homestyle Tuscan fare and regional wines, plus the bonus of enjoying a glass of their delicious wine through a cool wine window.
Non-Operational Wine Window
#2. Osteria delle Belle Donne: located at Via delle Belle Donne 16R, open daily from 12:00pm to 11:30pm. This restaurant sells the famous Florentine steaks, classic Tuscan dishes (has vegetarian options) and has a popular wine window. Just down the street form Belle Donne is another wine window, (non-operational) at the corner of Via delle Belle Donne and Via della Spada, worth a photo (pictured above).
#3. This is a non-operational wine window located at Via del Trebbio 1R. Near Piazza degli Antinori outside of the restaurant Buca Lapi. So just a historical photo op!
#4. Giunti Odeon Library & Cinema: located in Piazza Strozzi. This place has been in business since 1922, there is a cinema, bookstore, and restaurant (restaurant is open from 8:30am to midnight) and since the fall of 2023 they reopened their wine window selling espresso and non-alcoholic drinks.
#5. This is a non-operational wine window located at Via degli Alfani 82, near the Galleria dell’Accademia. Another historic photo op.
Window at Cantina de’Pucci Bar
#6. Cantina de’Pucci Bar: Located at Via de Pucci 4A, open from 12:00pm to 11:00pm daily. Another options for a glass of wine, knock for service.
#7. Caffe Duomo: Located at Piazza del Duomo 29, open from 10:00am to 12:00am daily. This window offers gelato, which makes a great treat to enjoy while wandering around in this amazing Piazza.
#8. This is a non-operational wine window located at Via Borgo Pinti 20. Another opportunity to add to your photo collection.
#9. This is another non-operational wine window located at Via Borgo degli Albizi 12. Just down the street from the Palazzo Valori Altoviti once owned by Albizi family until they were exiled by the Medici.
#10. Another non-operational wine window located at via dei Pandolfini 8. About a block away from #9. More historical photo ops.
#11. Vivoli Gelato: located at Via dell’Isola delle Stinche 7R. Open Tue-Sat 8:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 9:00am to 8:00pm and closed on Mondays. Open since 1930 and serves Affogato, (coffee with gelato) pastries, cookies, cakes, pudding and of course gelato. Great for a mid-tour treat.
#12. Osteria San Fiorenzo: located at Borgo de’Greci 1A, very close to Piazza Santa Croce. Open daily from 11:00am to 11:00pm. This Wine shop serves great wine through its window, at this stop, ring the bell for service.
#13. Pietrablanca Wine Window: located at Piazza dei Peruzzi 5R, set in an ancient palace. Open Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 10:30pm and Sundays 11:00am to 8:00pm. This Wine bar/Restaurant serves aperitifs, prosecco, wine and fish sandwiches, just ring the bell for service. It’s to the left of the entrance.
#14. Another non-operational wine window, located at Via dei Benci 20, to the right of the door under the address. More photo ops!
#15. La Buchetta Food & Wine: located at Via dei Benci 3/3a. Open daily from 12:00pm to 11:00pm. Another fun opportunity for some local wine and some photos.
Via dei Bardi 15
Via di San Niccolo 79
#16. Another non-operational window, located at via di San Niccolo 79 to the left of the door. This is an ancient palace turned into an Apartment Hotel. Great for photos. As well as this one nearby, across the street from Via dei Bardi 15.
#17. Divin Boccone: located at Via delle Caldaie 20, open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Sunday 3:00pm to 8:00pm. A great restaurant with fabulous reviews. Their wine window is located to the left of the door. They also serve snacks through their window.
#18. Another non-operational wine window, located at Via della Chiesa 41, around the corner from #17, great for photos.
Fantappie Wine Window
#19. Fiaschetteria Fantappie: located at Via dei Serragli 47R, open Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 1:30pm and 4:30pm to 10:00pm, closed on Sundays. This wine window is great for local wines.
Babae Wine Window
#20. Babae: located at Via Santo Spirito 21R, open Monday to Thursday from 12:00pm to 12:00am, Fridays 12:00pm to 2:00am, Saturdays 10:00am to 2:00am and Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This is a very popular wine window, so be prepared to wait or just snap a photo.
4. References:
Focus on the Journey
This wine window walking tour and information came from our own experiences we had while exploring this unforgettable city, as well, we read travel books like Rick Steves’ Florence & Tuscany, spent time researching travel blogs and tourism websites. We also used Google Maps to help create the walking tour.
5. The Wrap up:
Buchette del Vino
We hope you enjoy this walking tour as much as we did! This is definitely a unique and fun activity to attempt. Don’t forget to try new things, talk to the locals, indulge in traditional foods, people watch, enjoy nature, speak a little of the local language, but most of all, focus on the journey!
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Thank you,
From, Wild Meadow Studio
Where we, Focus on the Journey,
By: Beth de Verteuil