Wine windows make a comeback in Tuscany.

Florence's wine windows, which date back to the era of the Black Death in the Middle Ages, have been enjoying something of 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.

Their origin goes back to the time of the plague, when they were introduced as part of anti-contagion measures, allowing merchants to sell wine and top up bottles without coming into contact with the customer.

Many of the wine windows were sealed up or lost over the centuries however the Tuscan tradition has made a comeback in the post-covid era.

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.