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Looking for all of the best wine windows in Florence, Italy? Then keep reading!
I’ve now visited Florence a couple of times and something you can’t miss in the city are the fascinating wine windows (known as buchette del vino in Italian). In this guide, I’m going to share a little bit of history about these wine windows, some things you should know before using them, and a list of all the best wine windows in Florence with locations.
I’ve also included a map later in this article for you to easily use during your trip. Make sure you check out my Florence travel guide for other things you have to do while visiting this lovely city and some helpful travel tips. Alright, let’s get into the guide!
Looking for more Italy travel guides?
- The Perfect One Day Florence Itinerary
- How to Spend One Day in Venice, Italy
- A Colorful Day Trip from Venice to Burano
- City Guide: How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan
- How to Spend One Week in Rome
- 13 of The Best Rome Trastevere Restaurants
Keep reading to discover the best wine windows in Florence.
What is a Wine Window?
Okay, so what the heck is a wine window? Well, it’s literally a small window for wine. Many of them are shaped like little church windows with a frame made from wood or stone. Behind the small doors, there is typically a wine cellar or a bar.
You can order wine and other drinks (and sometimes snacks and sweet treats) through these tiny windows so you can get your drinks directly from the streets as opposed to going inside. It’s honestly just a fun and unique way to enjoy your drink!
History of the Wine Windows in Florence
Wine windows do sound random but there’s actually some interesting history to these little windows in Florence. The “wine window” or buchette del vino, dates back to the 16th century and was designed as a way for wealthy families who owned vineyards to sell wine directly to the public. This system allowed landowners to avoid taxes and middlemen by selling their wine directly from their cellar to the people of Florence.
Eventually, during the plague that killed about 12% of the population, these wine windows came in handy for “social distancing” in Florence. Using the wine windows to order drinks and goods kept a distance between people.
Does it sound a bit similar to recent times? Well, during the pandemic in 2020 with social distancing measures in place, some Florence businesses revived the use of the wine windows to safely sell items.
So, now that you know a bit about the history of Florence’s unique wine windows, let’s get into where you can find operating wine windows in Florence.
Wine Windows in Florence Map
Below you’ll find a map with all the wine window locations around Florence. Screenshot this map or save it to your phone for your trip!
Where to Find The Wine Windows in Florence
Although there are over 150 wine windows in Florence, not all are open and operating today. So, I’ve listed all of the best wine windows that are open for visitors below. Honestly, if you are just wandering around the old town, you’ll likely run into a few. But here are some of my favorites.
Babae
Location: Babae
Serves: Wine, cocktails, and aperitifs
Babae is one of the most popular wine windows in Florence and this was the first company to bring the wine window back into operation in Florence. This wine window is located on the west side of the Arno River in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. Babae is one of the most popular spots in Florence to enjoy a wine window.
Cantina de’ Pucci
Location: Cantina de’ Pucci
Serves: Wine
Cantina de’ Pucci is conveniently located just a short walk from the Duomo. Sip on a glass of wine while admiring one of the most iconic sites in Florence! Of course, because of its location, this wine window does get busy so just keep this in mind.
Looking for more fun things to do in Florence? Check out my city guide to Florence here!
Vivoli
Location: Vivoli
Serves: Gelato
Yes, this is a gelateria – they use their window to serve gelato rather than wine. Vivoli reopened its wine window in 2020 as a means of social distancing. Whether you use their “wine window” or not, Vivoli needs to be on your Florence itinerary – their affogatos are to die for. Get the pistachio affogato, it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.
II Latini
Location: II Latini
Serves: Wine
II Latini is a wonderful restaurant known for its delicious traditional Florentine food. And of course, they have a wine window. It’s a popular spot for guests waiting on their table to grab a drink from the wine window because the restaurant tends to get quite busy.
If you want to dine here, I suggest booking a reservation in advance well before your trip. However, you don’t need a reservation to enjoy the wine window!
Cantina del Gelato
Location: Cantina del Gelato
Serves: Gelato, smoothies, acai, crepes
To enjoy a sweet treat out of a wine window, head to Cantina del Gelato. This is a delicious gelato shop serving all sorts of incredible flavors of gelato, smoothies, acai, and crepes.
Osteria Belle Donne
Location: Osteria Belle Donne
Serves: Wine and cocktails
This wine window is in the city center of Florence and is known for being open year-round, even during the off-season. Here you can find amazing wine and delicious cocktails. Osteria Belle Donne is a lovely traditional Italian restaurant so it’s well worth visiting for a meal too.
DiVin Boccone
Location: DiVin Boccone
Serves: Wine
DiVin Boccone is a charming wine shop and supermarket tucked away in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. They have Italian goods and a wine cellar where you can enjoy fabulous wines and charcuterie boards. And of course, you can pick up a glass from their wine window.
Fiaschetteria Fantappié
Location: Fiaschetteria Fantappié
Serves: Wine
This is a small, family-run wine shop stocked with countless amazing wines. They have a little wine window where you can enjoy a glass of vino on the streets of Florence.
Osteria San Fiorenzo
Location: Osteria San Firoenzo
Serves: Wine and cocktails
Osteria San Fiorenzo is in the Santa Croce neighborhood, near the Santa Croce Church. This wine window is available for use upon request, so if you are in the area, it’s worth checking out! I ate here and the food was delicious, their outdoor seating is wonderful – and a great view too!
La Buchetta Food & Wine
Location: La Buchetta Food & Wine
Serves: Wines and cocktails
La Buchetta Food & Wine is a traditional Italian restaurant that has revived its wine window, which is a wonderful way to try its delicious wines.
Caffè Duomo
Location: Caffè Duomo
Serves: Wine
This is a unique wine window in Florence because it’s the only functional wooden wine window. You’ll find it near the Duomo, so it’s very conveniently located.
Ristorante Pietrabianca
Location: Ristorante Pietrabianca
Serves: Wine and cocktails
Ristorante Pietrabianca was right near my Airbnb making it easy to get a quick drink to go! You can enjoy a wide selection of wines, spritz, and other cocktails through this wine window. Ristorante Pietrabianca is also a lovely Tuscan restaurant, so check it out if you are looking for a good lunch spot.
Giunti Odean Library, Cinema & Cafe
Location: Giunti Odean
Serves: Wine and cocktails
Okay, whether you are getting a drink here or not, it’s well worth a visit. This is a bookshop, cinema, and cafe all in one place. You can browse for a new book while watching a movie or upstairs you can sit and enjoy your coffee, or work on your laptop, with a movie playing in the background. It’s such a unique spot.
As for the wine window, this is one of Florence’s newer wine windows as it reopened in November 2023. It’s located in Piazza degli Stozzi, near the front of the Odean Bistro. Expect to pay €7 to €10 here.
heading to Rome? Check out my 7-day itinerary to Rome, Italy here!
Wine Windows in Florence | FAQs
Are there still wine windows in Florence?
Yes, there are over 100 wine windows in Florence and many more in the Tuscany region. Of course, not all of them are in operation but you can find a few in the city of Florence!
How much does a wine window cost in Florence?
Expect to pay anywhere from €4 to €10 depending on what you order. In Florence, you’ll find these wine windows selling anything from wine (duh) and cocktails to coffee and even gelato. Some businesses may offer small snacks or coffees through the windows priced between €2 to €5. You won’t pay extra for the window experience.
What is the most popular wine window in Florence?
As mentioned above, there are many popular wine windows in Florence. Probably the most popular wine window in Florence is Babae. It’s located in the Santo Spirito neighborhood and is known for reviving the historic tradition of wine windows in Florence.
Can you walk around with wine in Florence?
Yes, it is legal to walk around with a drink on the streets of Florence. One of my favorite things to do in Florence on a hot day is to order a spritz from a wine window and walk around and shop!
Are wine windows cash only?
No, many will accept card payments. In fact, most prefer card payments.
How do wine windows work in Florence?
If the wine window has a bell, tap the bell – if not, knock on the window and place your order. You can then pay through the window and then your drink will be served to you through the window.
Historically, customers would pay for the wine by placing coins through the window. Today, it’s very similar however modern payment methods like credit cards are often accepted.
Are wine windows only in Florence?
This tradition of wine windows did start in Florence and today they are mostly found in Florence or nearby Tuscan cities like Siena and Lucca. The wine windows in Florence make for a unique experience in the city. Florence is the best place to find authentic wine windows as there are over 150 documented.
How do you say “wine window” in Italian?
Buchette del vino.
When do wine windows in Florence close?
This depends on the establishment. Florence is a lively city – people are up late. Many wine windows are open from late morning to mid-afternoon and then reopen in the evening. For instance, Babae is usually open from noon to 10 PM with a break between lunch and dinner hours. For the latest hours, check with the place you’d like to visit.
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I hope you enjoyed this guide all about the historic wine windows in Florence! If you have any questions, comment below. And don’t forget to check out my other guides to Italy here.
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