Wine Windows of Florence

Florence is renowned for its rich history, breathtaking churches, world-class museums, and iconic art. But beyond its famous landmarks lies a charming and lesser-known secret: scattered throughout the city are more than 180 historic wine windows, known as buchette del vino. These small, arched openings—once used to serve wine directly to a passersby—offer a fascinating glimpse into Florence’s past and add an extra layer of intrigue to its timeless streets.

For centuries, these tiny openings played a clever role in Florence’s wine trade. Noble families used them to sell wine directly to customers in fiaschi—traditional glass bottles—without ever opening a formal shop, neatly sidestepping taxes and regulations.

Look closely as you wander the city, and you’ll spot them: small openings in the walls, usually about a foot wide, often topped with a delicate arch and set into the stone façades of palazzi that are more than 400 years old. Quiet and easy to miss, they’re a charming reminder of Florence’s resourceful past.     

During the plague outbreaks of the 1600s, these wine windows took on a new purpose, offering a remarkably early form of “contactless” service. Businesses and noble families could sell wine directly to customers through the small openings, minimizing contact and helping reduce the spread of disease.

Centuries later, history echoed itself. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, several Florentine establishments revived the tradition, once again using the buchette del vino to safely serve wine to passersby.  

Below, I’ve rounded up a few wine windows you can seek out and visit for yourself.

Babae (Santo Spirito): Often credited as one of the first wine windows to reopen, this spot became a symbol of Florence’s revived tradition during COVID in 2020. Today, it serves not only wine but also creative craft cocktails—bringing a modern twist to a centuries-old custom.

Owned by siblings Claudio and Chiara, the experience feels personal and welcoming; they’re often happy to share the story behind the wine window while serving you. Located in the lively Oltrarno district, the menu includes wine, cocktails, and light bites. Ordering is part of the charm—simply reach through the window and pull a small metal chain (decorated with a leaf) to ring the bell.

Drinks are served in real glassware, with options ranging from Prosecco and reds to rosé, orange wine, Lambrusco, and even an Aperol spritz, typically priced between €8 and €10 per glass. A €5 deposit is required for the glass, which is refunded upon return.

You’ll find it at Via di Santo Spirito 21R—just across the Arno River. Hours vary: Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am, Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 am, and Sunday through Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.

Fiaschetteria Fantappié: Tucked just a five-minute stroll from Babae, Fiaschetteria Fantappiè is a charming little wine shop that feels like one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. Sure, its signature oblong hatch with a hanging bell makes it an irresistible vino window, but the real magic is that it doubles as a cozy wine shop, too.

Step up to sample a Tuscan pour, then slip inside for a proper glass at one of the few tables. You’ll likely be greeted by Alessia, whose family has run this spot since 1947—a legacy that infuses every bottle with warmth and pride.

Set on Via dei Serragli, 47, this gem sits in a quieter, more local pocket of the city, where you'll meet friendly Florentines and perhaps get a few insider recommendations.

Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm Expect to pay €6 to €8 per glass, credit card only.

Osteria Belle Donne:  One of the most popular and photogenic spots in Florence is a charming wine window adorned with a vibrant floral installation. Surrounded by colorful blooms, this picturesque backdrop is perfect for memorable photos. Nestled in the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, Osteria Belle Donne is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely lunch and local wines. 

Visit on Friday nights when they sometimes host special tastings of Tuscan wines through the window—an authentic experience not to be missed. Be sure to ask for their “buchetta special.”  The osteria is located at Via delle Belle Donne, 16R, just a short walk from Palazzo Strozzi. Their hours are from 12 pm to 11 pm. They serve a selection of wine, Prosecco, and spritzes, with prices ranging from 5 to 10 euros.

Osteria San Fiorenzo: 

A visit to Osteria San Fiorenzo’s charming wine window is the perfect way to unwind after exploring the Basilica di Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world that has welcomed visitors since 1228. Nestled just off Piazza di Santa Croce on Borgo dei Greci, this traditional restaurant offers more than just great wine—you'll be treated to stunning views of the basilica, the final resting place of many Italian artists, including Michelangelo. 

Sip local wines at one of their outdoor tables and soak in the historic atmosphere. The osteria is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm and is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy authentic Florence. Find it at Borgo dei Greci, 1r.

Cantina de' Pucci:  One of the most centrally located wine windows in Florence is nestled within the historic Palazzo Pucci. Cantina de’ Pucci is set in a 16th-century palace that once belonged to a prominent Florentine family, just a short walk from the Duomo. Its prime location makes it a popular spot, often with a line of eager visitors waiting to enjoy a quick sip.

This charming wine window offers a selection of wines, spritzes, and light bites—perfect for a refreshing pause while exploring the city center. Prices range from €7- €8 for a glass of wine and around €10 for cocktails. Cantina de’ Pucci is open daily from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Find it at Via de’ Pucci, 4, and indulge in a taste of Florence’s vibrant local scene.

Il Latini (Via dei Palchetti): 

Just a short stroll from Osteria Belle Donne, down a couple of quiet side streets, you’ll find one of the restaurant’s most charming hidden features: its revived buchetta del vino, or “wine window.” From this small opening in the wall, house red and white wines are still served with effortless charm—reviving a centuries-old Florentine tradition.

A glass of house wine is just €5, while Prosecco is €6, making it an easy and authentic stop for an evening aperitivo or a leisurely daytime sip. The window operates on a relaxed schedule, open Tuesday to Friday from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and again from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

More than just a place to drink wine, Il Latini offers a glimpse into Florence’s living history—where tradition, family, and everyday ritual still meet on a quiet backstreet. Located at:  Via dei Palchetti, 6R

Café Odeon (Piazza degli Strozzi):  On a quiet, historic street in Florence, Caffè Odeon offers a more intimate, laid-back alternative to the city’s busier wine stops. With its Renaissance surroundings and understated charm, it feels perfectly in tune with the layered history of the neighborhood.

Right next door is the remarkable Giunti Odeon—a cultural hybrid that seamlessly blends bookstore, cinema, and café into one immersive experience. The building itself carries a rich cinematic legacy: originally opened as Cinema Odeon in 1922, its ground floor has been transformed into a breathtaking bookshop lined with over 1,200 meters of shelving, while the upper level preserves the original horseshoe-shaped auditorium where films are still screened today.

Caffè Odeon’s wine window fits naturally into this setting. Simply ring the gold bell, and you can order a glass of rosé—or choose from red, white, prosecco, or spritz. Drinks are available for takeaway or served in proper glassware, making it easy to linger nearby, whether you’re standing along the street, sitting briefly, or continuing your stroll through the piazza.

At €7–€8 per glass and payment by credit card only, it’s a convenient and stylish stop any time of day. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, it’s an effortless addition to a Florence itinerary—where culture, cinema, books, and wine all meet at the same historic crossroads. Located at Piazza Strozzi, 8R 

De' Bardi Ristorante:  

Just a short stroll from the iconic Ponte Vecchio, this charming window blends old-world tradition with a touch of Renaissance-inspired flair. A delicate painting referencing Botticelli’s Venus decorates the façade, making it as visually captivating as it is culturally rooted.

Tucked neatly beside the restaurant entrance, the window invites you to simply knock on the small wooden door and place your order. Your drink is then served in a real glass, keeping the experience both authentic and unhurried.

The menu leans into classic Florentine aperitivo culture, offering white wine, Chianti, Prosecco, Aperol spritz, Negroni, and Americano. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm, it’s an easy stop whether you’re exploring the Oltrarno or crossing the river from the historic center.

De’ Bardi captures what makes Florence’s wine window revival so special—small moments of beauty, tradition, and ritual tucked into everyday city life.  Located at Via de’ Bardi, 25R, 

Vivoli Gelato:  Just a short walk from the historic heart of Florence, Vivoli Gelateria is one of the city’s most iconic gelato stops—and widely considered Florence’s oldest gelateria, with origins dating back to the late 1920s–early 1930s as a family-run latteria (dairy shop).

Still proudly family-owned through multiple generations, Vivoli has remained committed to traditional, small-batch gelato making. Everything here is crafted with a focus on simplicity and quality—rich creams, seasonal ingredients, and time-honored techniques that predate modern industrial production.

While not serving wine, Vivoli — one of Florence’s oldest gelaterias — has creatively repurposed their buchetta del vino to serve artisanal gelato.  Open 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Located near Santa Croce at Via dell'Isola delle Stinche, 7R

Tips for Visiting Wine Windows 

How to Order:  After lining up to wait for your turn to order from a wine window, either knock or ring the bell if the hatch is shut to place your order. There’s usually a small menu next to the alcove, which is generally much shorter than what’s available inside. After paying, you’ll be handed your wine to enjoy al fresco.

Expect to pay a slight premium to use a wine window, above what a typical bar may charge for the same product.

Hours & Availability: While some are open throughout the day, the busiest windows often have long queues. It is best to go during the late afternoon (aperitivo time).

Location Strategy: Search in the historical district, particularly on Via delle Belle Donne and near Piazza degli Strozzi. 

The "Wine Map": You’ll find wine windows all over Florence’s historical center. There are at least 150 different windows, mainly in former palatial buildings, though most remain historic relics, rather than having reopened to serve the public. The Buchette del Vino association maintains a list of all open and closed windows. Buchettedelvino.org.

You can consult the online, interactive map provided by the Associazione Buchette del Vino to find all listed historical locations.  https://buchettedelvino.org/home%2520eng/ 

The Florence Wine Window Association was formed in 2015 to document and place a plaque by each window to raise awareness of this bit of history. Out of the hundreds of windows that once existed in Florence’s city center, around 150 are still visible, and only around 15 of them are open to serve wine.

Photos:  While you can always snap a quick photo, the small windows can accommodate only one customer at a time, so you are expected to move to the side quickly after being served if there is a line. Not all of the wine windows in Florence have reopened for business. In fact, the majority remain sealed, serving as a snapshot of history.