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Florence’s historic wine windows are making a comeback 

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
This trend, from over 500 years ago, is having a second renaissance.

With its Renaissance art, historical significance and vibrant culture, the charm of Florence is felt at every turn when walking through its cobbled streets. And part of this charm is being revived with the resurgence of wine windows, or buchette del vino as they’re better known in Italy.

This 500-year-old tradition offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past and yet another reason to fall in love with this cultural treasure.

What are wine windows?

Buchette del vino are small dome-shaped apertures (typically measuring about 30cm wide and 40cm high) found in historical or architectural buildings in Tuscany. They were used by merchants, particularly noble ones, to pass through and sell goods like wine to passersby. They are now being rediscovered and restored as a playful and charming way to serve wine today.

History of wine windows

Dating back to the 16th century, these windows were originally introduced by the ruler at the time, Cosimo de’ Medici, as a way to appease the public. Noble families were allowed to sell wine produced on their estates directly to consumers through these windows, without paying taxes. When the 1630-1633 epidemic hit, they provided an anti-contagion way to sell wine.

Wine windows have often been preserved as architectural features, but more recently have been put to use again, in part due to Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy series in which he visits the one at Babae Restaurant, and as a means to sell goods during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. As COVID has settled down though, the use of these windows is still on the rise with travellers lining up to knock on the little door or press the bell and order a glass of local Chianti or other Tuscan varietals. 

These windows represent how wine is rooted in Florence’s history and culture and showcase how integral local wine production and consumption is in Tuscany.

Florence wine window
Order wine from a historic window. (Image: Getty Image/Giorgi Magini)

Where to find wine windows

There are more than 150 wine windows peppered within the city walls of Florence, with many of them being active. Most of them can be found in the Santo Spirito district and the city centre. One of the most famous is at Il Latini, one of Florence’s oldest restaurants, where you can get a glass while waiting for your table. Another popular spot is Cantina dei Pucci, just a 15-minute stroll from the Duomo, where you can pick up your buchette del vino and enjoy a drink on the terrace.

 

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist, editor and hotel addict based in the UK. She was formerly International Traveller's Evergreen Editor and was responsible for the foundational content ahead of its website relaunch, as well as managing and growing the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to creating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. Next on her travel wish list is Malta.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.