Uncorking Hidden Gems: Discovering Florence's Wine Windows

What are the Florence wine windows? The Florence wine windows are characterised by their small arched windows in the side of otherwise ordinary buildings. These windows date back to the 17th century, when they were used by Florentine noble families to sell wine directly to customers on the street. The tradition of the wine windows faded over time but has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Ever since Stanley Tucci delighted American viewers, Florence's buchette del vino, or “wine windows”, have enjoyed a new renaissance. These charming windows are not only a unique architectural feature but also a practical solution for serving wine safely during times of epidemics. In Florence, the need for bars and restaurants to serve food and drinks in a socially distanced manner has seen a medieval architectural oddity revived.

In Florence, the wine windows are not just a relic of the past but a living tradition that continues to evolve. A popular New York City restaurant is turning into a literal hole in the wall – serving Merlots, Syrahs and other vintages through a modern interpretation of the historic wine windows. Wine Wednesdays just got a lot cooler thanks to Please Tell Me's new vino to-go option, spotlighting organic varietals.

An old Florentine tradition has made its way to Brooklyn, as Williamsburg's Please Tell Me launches unique wine to-go service. This innovative approach to serving wine pays homage to the historic wine windows of Florence while adapting to the needs of modern consumers. We're talking about the 'buchette del vino,' or wine windows, an unparalleled enological phenomenon. These are small windows with inscriptions that were used to sell wine directly to customers on the street.

Nearly 300 of the small service windows used during the plague were cataloged across Tuscany to combat COVID-19. The tiny Tuscan holes in the wall, called buchette del vino, were a safe, socially distant way to serve wine during an epidemic outbreak—400 years ago and today. As the world grapples with the challenges of the pandemic, the historic tradition of the wine windows offers a glimpse into the past while providing a practical solution for the present.