What Are Florence Wine Windows (Buchette del Vino)?
Wine windows in Florence are tiny openings in walls used long ago to sell wine straight to people outside. They helped avoid contact during bad sicknesses. Now, some places use them again to serve drinks and snacks.
The Rediscovery of Florence Wine Windows: When & Why
Florence’s wine windows were mostly forgotten. People started finding them again before COVID-19.
But when COVID-19 came, these windows became a safe way to get wine without touching. Now, seeing them is a fun way to feel like you’re really part of Florence.
The History of Florence Wine Windows
Long ago, when plague hit Florence, rich families with wine made small holes in their walls. These “wine windows” were a safe way to sell wine without touching people.
They’d pass bottles and get money, even cleaning the money. This helped keep business going and people safer.
For many years, these windows were normal in Florence. Then, people stopped using them. Some were closed up or just forgotten.
Lately, people who study history and the Wine Windows Association have been finding and saving these old windows.
12 Best Wine Windows in Florence You Can’t Miss
1. Babae (Via Santo Spirito, 21R)
Located in the Oltrarno, Babae offers Chianti, rosé, spritz, or even a perfectly crafted Negroni.
Arrive at 7 PM sharp, as they close quickly.
2. Cantina de’ Pucci (Via dei Pucci, 4R)
Best for: Central location near major attractions
Opening hours: Varies, usually evening aperitivo time (5-7 PM)
Cantina de’ Pucci is one of the most centrally located Florence wine windows in the city. Most tourists walk past without noticing this centuries-old opening carved into ancient stone.
Their carefully curated selection typically includes excellent Chianti and Vernaccia, sometimes accompanied by traditional crostini.
3. Vivoli Gelato (Via dell’Isola delle Stinche, 7R)
Best for: Sweet treats.
Opening hours: During regular shop hours (11 AM – 7 PM)
While not serving wine, Vivoli – one of Florence’s oldest gelaterias – has creatively repurposed their buchetta del vino to serve artisanal gelato.
4. Osteria delle Brache (Piazza Peruzzi, 3R)
Best for: Authentic local atmosphere
Opening hours: Approximately 6-9 PM, but varies seasonally
Osteria delle Brache offers a less polished, more authentic buchette del vino experience.
You might need to visit multiple evenings to catch it open, but the reward is an experience that feels genuine rather than curated for tourists.
5. Osteria Belle Donne (Via delle Belle Donne, 16R)
Best for: Refined wine selection
Opening hours: During restaurant hours
Located on a quieter street near Florence’s shopping district, Osteria Belle Donne maintains a more refined buchette del vino experience.
Visit during early evening hours when the restaurant is open to order through their wine window.
6. Fiaschetteria Fantappié (Via dei Serragli, 47R)
Best for: Old-world authenticity
Opening hours: Inconsistent—mid-to-late afternoon offers best chances
Their wine window isn’t commercialized or dressed up for tourists; it simply exists as it has for centuries.
7. Il Latini (Via dei Palchetti, 6R)
Best for: Combining with a legendary dinner experience
Opening hours: Dinner only—roughly 7 PM to 10 PM
This famous Florentine institution has revived their buchetta del vino on a quiet backstreet near their main restaurant.
The house red and white wines flow generously through this opening in the evenings, sometimes accompanied by small bites from their renowned kitchen. Visit between 7-10 PM, with earlier times recommended avoiding crowds.
8. Il Santo Bevitore (Via di San Salvi, 9)
Best for: Wine connoisseurs seeking variety
Opening hours: 12 PM – 11 PM
This Oltrarno establishment blends tradition with modern wine culture. Their buchette del vino, tucked behind the main restaurant, offers a carefully curated selection from both Tuscany and beyond.
Visit between 4-6 PM when the kitchen prepares for dinner service.
9. Vino e Olio (Via de’ Neri, 26)
Best for: Family-run hospitality
Opening hours: 12 PM – 10 PM
This cozy enoteca operated by a local family provides a personal buchette del vino experience. The owner often chats with visitors while serving house reds, whites, and their own olive oils through the historic opening.
The late afternoon to early evening offers the best opportunity to interact with the family and feel welcomed into authentic Florentine life through their wine window.
10. Antico Vinaio (Via dei Neri, 74R)
Best for: Combining with Florence’s famous sandwiches
Opening hours: 10 AM – 12 AM
This legendary sandwich shop, known for mind-blowing schiacciata (Tuscan sandwiches), also operates a buchette del vino. Their house Chianti pairs perfectly with their famous sandwiches, creating a complete Florentine street food experience.
Visit in late afternoon or evening to enjoy both their renowned food and wine window service in one of Florence’s most celebrated culinary establishments.
Practical Tips for Visiting Florence Wine Window
Do you need cash for Florence wine windows
While historically these windows operated with cash transactions, many revived buchette del vino now accept credit cards and contactless payments, especially those that reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, carrying some cash is advisable, particularly for smaller or more traditional establishments.
Can you drink wine on the street in Florence?
Yes! Public consumption of alcohol is generally permitted in Florence, making it perfectly acceptable to enjoy wine purchased from Florence wine windows while strolling through the city.
Best time to visit Florence wine windows
Most wine windows operate during aperitivo hours (5-8 PM), though specific times vary by establishment. Some operate only for brief periods each day, while others maintain more consistent hours. The early evening generally offers the best chance of finding active buchette del vino throughout the city.
These little wine windows are a cool piece of Florence’s past – don’t miss them when you’re exploring the city today!