Wine windows make a comeback in Tuscany.

Florence's wine windows, whose origins date back to the 16th century and the rule of Cosimo I de' Medici, have been enjoying a Renaissance in recent years.

The curious tradition was revived during the social distancing era in the wake of the covid pandemic before gaining global exposure in Stanley Tucci's acclaimed TV series Searching for Italy. 

Around 180 of these tiny "buchette del vino" still exist in the historic centre of Florence, according to the Wine Windows association, with another 140 or so scattered around the Tuscany region.

A brief history

In the 16th century, Cosimo I de' Medici permitted noble families to sell the wine produced on their country estates directly from their city homes, in a popular tax-free move.

This resulted in the creation of the little portals that allowed the wealthy merchants to sell wine and top up bottles without having to let customers inside their homes.

During a devastating outbreak of the plague in the 17th century, the wine windows proved useful in keeping human contact and the chance of contagion to a minimum.

Over the centuries many of the wine windows were sealed up or lost however the Tuscan tradition has recently made a major comeback and is increasingly popular with tourists.

The revival of Florence's wine windows has been championed by the Wine Windows association which, in addition to promoting the tradition with tours, has affixed plaques under the pint-sized wall openings.

The Florence-based cultural association says that it is not just vino being handed out through the little windows these days, with the surreal sight of hands offering customers gelato, coffee, spritz and even books.

For full details about the history of the buchette del vino, and where to find them, see the Wine Windows website.

Article originally published on 8 June 2020.