🍷 FLORENCE,  Where to find Le BUCHETTE and their History

Ok, you are in Florence, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The cathedrals, the museums, the history. Yes, all incredible. But there’s something that almost no one tells you about, a hidden gem right in the heart of this city: the wine windows. Wait, are you about to jump out of your seat? Not yet. First let me explain: we’re talking about small windows that look directly out onto the streets. But they’re not just beautiful vintage decorations, they’re the most Florentine answer possible to retail and delivery… in the 17th century.

Imagine the nobles of the time, like the Antinoris and Frescobaldis (names that today scream “100 euro glasses” at any elegant dinner). Well, these guys certainly didn’t have time to waste with the innkeepers or, worse, the tavern keepers who swiped a slice of the profit. No, these gentlemen decided to sell their wine directly from the walls of their buildings. The solution? The wine windows. It’s brilliant, pure circular economy ante litteram.

Now, fast forward to 1634. The plague is around and we’re not talking about the usual seasonal flu. Florence? Decimated. Infections everywhere. The anti-contagion solution? Those same little holes. “Hey, do you need some wine? Here’s your Chianti, pass the money and get out of the way before we exchange germs too!” It was social distancing ante litteram, without the need for infamous apps to order or incomprehensible QR codes.

And then… Time passes, the little holes fall into disuse. Florence evolves, but these little windows resist, a little forgotten, a little destroyed, like old friends forgotten in the attic. Until now, in 2024, boom, they are here again, screaming their existence, becoming protagonists of a gastronomic and social rebirth that no one expected. Say it out loud, it’s a return that feels like a slow revolution.

But who do we thank for this revival? The Buchette del Vino Cultural Association, which literally saved this tradition from oblivion, censusing every hole, with a precision that would make a private investigator envious. Without them, you’d still be wandering around Florence with your empty glass. And you don’t want that, do you?

Now, where can you experience this little piece of history firsthand? Trust me, there are places in Florence where you can still order a glass right from these little windows, and it’s an experience that will make you feel part of the city like never before.

Want to know where?

📍Osteria Delle Belle Donne (Via delle Belle Donne, 16R) – It seems like an innocuous place, but wait until you see what happens when you order from the buchetta.

📍DiVin Boccone (Via delle Caldaie, 20) – They serve wine here, but if you close your eyes, you’d swear you’re back in the 17th century.

📍Osteria San Fiorenzo (Borgo dei Greci, 1r) – A sip of wine, a piece of history. And you’ll feel incredibly cultured.

📍Il Latini (Via dei Palchetti, 6r) – One of the temples of Florentine cuisine. Here too, the buchetta is served.

📍Ristorante Pietrabianca (Piazza dei Peruzzi, 5R) – Excellent cuisine, excellent wine .

📍Cantina de’ Pucci (Via de’ Pucci, 4) – For those who love history and wine in equal measure.

📍Babae (Via Santo Spirito, 21r) – Want to take the perfect photo for Instagram? Babae has you covered.

📍Fiaschetteria Fantappiè (Via dei Serragli, 47) – The name says it all, just bring your thirst.