Italians revive the 17th-century ‘wine window’—used during the plague

From domes over tables to having lunch in cars on the terrace; all kinds of new ways are being tried to ensure that, despite coronavirus, people can still enjoy food and drinks. In Italy, on the other hand, they are returning to a centuries-old method: the wine window.

These wine windows, or ‘buchette del vino’ as the Italians call them, were used in the 17th century by wine merchants to sell wine during the pandemic of that time: the plague.

During the coronavirus pandemic, those cute little windows are naturally proving extremely useful for serving guests wine while keeping a safe distance. But they are not only used to serve wine; coffee, cocktails and ice cream are also being served through them.

Association

Over the years, unfortunately, a great many wine windows have disappeared. The buildings no longer exist or the windows have been bricked up. To ensure that this tradition is not completely lost, a dedicated association has been established to protect and promote the windows.

Only a few left

According to the association, only 4 or 5 wine windows are currently in use. But in Florence alone, there are certainly more than 150 to be found. Of course, far from all of them still belong to a bar or restaurant, but how fun is this tradition? It just goes to show: those who preserve something, have something.

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