Florence Wine Windows Map: Locations & How to Find Them
Looking for a Florence Wine Windows Map? Learn all about where to find the unique wine windows in Florence.
When planning your trip to Florence, you’re probably thinking about all the amazing art, the cool architecture, and the delicious Italian food. But let me tell you about a hidden gem you might not know about: Florence’s historic wine windows, or “buchette del vino.”
This post will guide you through everything you need to know about the unique wine windows in Florence. You’ll learn what they are, where to find them, what to expect when you order, and a little bit of history.
This post is all about how to find wine windows in Florence with a Florence wine windows map.
Florence Wine Windows Guide: Everything You Should Know
What are the Wine Windows of Florence?
When walking around Florence’s historic city center, you’ll likely notice small holes or arch-shaped “doors” in some of the city walls. These little wooden doors are the famous wine windows, and they’re just big enough to pass a bottle of wine or a glass of wine through. There are over 150 of these small windows in Florence and more than 100 throughout the Tuscany region.
Florence Wine Windows Map with Open Locations
Only a limited number of wine windows are actually functional and in use today. If you’d like to get the full experience of ordering and being served through a little window, visit one of the places on this Florence Wine Windows Map with open wine windows:
La Buchetta Food & Wine 2
Address: Borgo Santa Croce, 11R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
La Buchetta Food & Wine 2 is named after Florence’s famous wine windows and has one right outside the main entrance. You can stop by the wine window for a glass of red or white wine, prosecco, a spritz, or even a negroni. Afterward, stay for dinner and enjoy their selection of Tuscan dishes, like fresh homemade pasta, lasagna, gnocchi, and the famous Florentine beefsteak. P.S. – Don’t get this location confused with the original La Buchetta on Via de’ Benci!
Babae Firenze
Address: Via Santo Spirito, 21R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Babae Firenze is a bistro and wine bar that was the first to reopen its wine window before the pandemic. Located in the famous Santo Spirito neighborhood, it’s one of the most popular spots for wine lovers. You can enjoy wine served in glasses, as well as Prosecco or an Aperol Spritz. Located just south of the River Arno on a cobblestone street, Babae is perfect for a relaxing drink, especially during aperitif time.
Ristorante Il Latini
Address: Via dei Palchetti, 6R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
You’ll find Il Latini on a cobblestone pedestrian-only street in the historic center of Florence. Their wine window is located right by the entrance and is surrounded by potted plants. I recommend ordering a glass of the house wine from the Latini family and enjoy it while you wait for your table. If you stay for dinner, be sure to check out their famous bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Ristorante Pietrabianca by Fishmood
Address: Piazza dei Peruzzi, 5R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Located in Piazza de Perruzi, where a former amphitheater once stood, Ristorante Pietrabianca by Fishmood offers a unique seafood and drink experience. In front of the restaurant, you’ll find a sidewalk chalkboard inviting you to ring the bell and order a drink from their wine window. In addition to wine, they also serve cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Gin Tonic, Moscow Mule, Margarita, or Mojito, all in plastic cups to take with you to-go. It’s even rumored that Leonardo Da Vinci used to buy his wine from this very spot!
Osteria Belle Donne
Address: Via delle Belle Donne, 16R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Located on a narrow cobblestone street near Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Osteria Belle Donne has a wine window set in a pale yellow wall, decorated with flowers and banners. To order, just knock on the little door to get red, white, or rosé wines served in elegant glasses. It’s a great spot to enjoy your wine and the lively atmosphere, as this window attracts both locals and tourists. The wine is from Tuscany and pairs perfectly with their typical Tuscan dishes.
Fiaschetteria Fantappie
Address: Via dei Serragli, 47, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
If you’re wandering around Via de’ Serragli in Oltrarno, look for a small window with dark brown wooden doors near a laundry mart. This wine window opens up at night, and you can ring a bell to get a glass of wine. It’s part of a wine bar with some outdoor seating, but it can be easy to miss. Locals love this spot, and if the outdoor seats are taken, there’s extra space with more chairs and tables. It’s a cozy place to enjoy a spritz, Negroni, or a glass of wine, and the prices are great.
Osteria San Fiorenzo
Address: Borgo dei Greci, 1r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
If you find yourself near the Santa Croce Church, don’t miss out on one of everyone’s favorite wine windows at Osteria San Fiorenzo. The wine window is located in a warm yellow wall and offers red and white Tuscan wines, as well as Aperol Spritz cocktails. The staff is super friendly, and you can enjoy your drink while admiring the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce.
Giunti Odean Library, Cinema & Cafe
Address: Via Degli Anselmi, Piazza degli Strozzi, 3-5-7, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
The Giunti Odeon Library, Cinema, and Cafe is Florence’s newest wine window! They reopened in November 2023 and have quickly become a favorite in Florence. Located in Piazza degli Strozzi, right in front of the Odeon Bistro, their wine window serves glasses of wine for about €8 and an Aperol spritz for about €9. It’s a great mix of historic cinema vibes and a modern cafe, making it the perfect place to relax with a drink and enjoy the surroundings.
Caffè Duomo
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 29, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Caffè Duomo is Florence’s only functional wooden wine window, making it a unique stop on your Florence itinerary. Located in the main Piazza del Duomo, it’s super easy to find. I recommend grabbing a glass of their white wine and enjoying the lively atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an impromptu opera performance across the plaza while sipping your wine!
Map of ALL Wine Doors of Florence – Open and Closed!
There are more than 150 wine windows in Florence. Although most of them aren’t open, it’s still a fun activity to walk around the city of Florence and see how many wine windows you can find!
The Wine Windows Association of Florence, or Buchette del Vino Cultural Association, was established in 2015 to keep track of these unique little windows. Their mission is to study, record, maintain, and restore these historical features.
Thanks to their efforts, the interactive map below was created and shows all the known wine windows in the region. This map of the wine windows is available on their website, and they also offer a printed version for those who prefer a physical guide.
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Ordering from a Florence Wine Window – What to Expect
These tiny windows are a great way to learn about Florence’s past while enjoying some local wine. Curious about how they work? It’s super easy! Just knock or ring the bell at any open window, and you can order a variety of wines, mostly from the Chianti or Tuscany regions. Some places even offer Prosecco, cocktails, gelato, or cups of coffee.
Most restaurants have a menu posted near the window. If you don’t see one, just ask the server what’s available. You’ll usually find house wines (red and white) and seasonal drinks. Once you place your order, be ready to pay, and while most wine windows accept credit cards, having cash on hand is a good idea.
When your drinks are ready, the server will ring a bell to get your attention and hand your drink through the window. Make sure your hands are free or have a friend nearby if you’ve ordered multiple drinks. Find a good spot to enjoy your beverage, but be respectful of the locals and avoid sitting on residential steps or blocking doorways. Take a walk around the block while you sip, and don’t forget to return your empty glass to the window or restaurant inside.
A Little History on Wine Windows
Wine windows date back to the 1500s when Cosimo de’ Medici came to power. To keep the wealthy aristocratic families and Florentine families happy, Medici allowed them to sell wine directly to people through these windows. This cut out the middlemen, letting families avoid taxes and offer wine at lower prices. Back in the 16th century, wine was even considered medicinal, so these windows were a win-win.
Jump to the 1600s during the bubonic plague, also known as the black death, and these windows became a safe way to exchange goods and currency. They were like a 17th-century version of social distancing, allowing people to buy wine without direct contact.
Over the years, many wine windows were sealed or covered, especially after Florence’s great flood in 1966. But with the rise of social media and the strict lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic, these windows made a comeback. Now they’re a popular tourist attraction, offering a unique way to enjoy wine in the city.
