villa tramontalba
a base for exploreres

Florence (Firenze), known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, is a city that breaths romance, fairytale, and irresistible charm. It’s a destination where you can indulge in world-class art and Tuscan cuisine.

Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the “newest” area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an beautiful view of Florence.

Wine lovers, can we get your attention, please! In Florence, you’ll find a unique feature known as Buchette del vino, or wine windows. These are small openings with inscriptions found on the walls of certain noble palaces. For centuries, they’ve served as a means to sell wine in glass bottles (fiaschi) without the need for a formal shop, thus avoiding taxes.

Interestingly, during the epidemic of 1630-1633 and more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, these wine windows became a practical means of selling wine while minimizing contact. Restaurants, bars, and gelaterias utilized these ancient buchette del vino to serve their products, echoing the practices of 400 years ago.

These wine windows are scattered throughout Florence, with a significant concentration found in the Santo Spirito neighborhood and the city center.

Santo Spirito, historically a hub for nobility and artisans, has a high density of these wine windows embedded in the walls of urban palaces. Exploring this area allows you to appreciate the stunning architecture while looking going on a wine window scavenger hunt. Take a stroll through Santo Spirito to soak in its beauty and uncover these unique features of Florentine history.

In Florence’s city center, you’ll encounter the wine windows belonging to the most prominent families in the region, many of whom maintain a strong reputation for producing Tuscan wines. Among them are the Antinori, Frescobaldi, Rucellai, and Verrazzano families, among others. These palaces, which continue to be central landmarks in Florence, proudly display their traditional wine windows, making them easy to spot and appreciate.

Enjoy your hunt!