Ancient Curbside Service

In Florence, the pandemic infused new life into an ancient tradition-the Renaissance “buchette del vino” -the wine windows!

Once upon a time, these small dome shaped portals, about 12 inches high and 8 inches wide were built into the outside wall of a noble’s palace. Like many Florentine practices this ties back to the Medici- Cosimo in this case who appeased Florentine unrest with his leadership by passing a law that allowed citizens to purchase wine directly from the family that produced it. There was no need to have a shop, so it bypassed middlemen and also the need to pay taxes. Rich merchants got richer. Customers got their wine at a “discount” and everyone was happy!

A glass bottle (a fiasco) was passed through the window with some coins and out came a hand holding the bottle. I have been told the amount of wine delivered depended on how many coins were slid through the window! makes sense to me!

This clever “social distancing” solution assured Florentines got their wine and stayed safe during an epidemic in 1630. And again it proved useful in 2020 when restaurants and bars were unable to open their doors. Today, the tradition flourishes with tourists and locals lining up outside one of Florence’s 150 windows for a glass of wine, a gelato or even a panino!

Thirsty tourists queue up to the wine window. You can also find about 100 others beyond Florence throughout the Tuscan hills.