One of the most unexpected consequences of COVID-19 has been the revival of the 17th-century wine windows in Italy. These tiny wall hatches are known as buchette del vino in Italian, and they are the perfect way to serve drinks and treats without physical contact. As Tuscany came out of lockdown and people relaxed a bit, these windows provide the perfect opportunity to serve contactless drinks like coffee, wine, and Aperol Spritz, but also gelato and other desserts.
There are around 150 such windows in Tuscany. In 2015, a group of friends founded a non-profit organization called Buchette del Vino to preserve and promote them. Over 100 of them are located in the historic center of Florence.
The windows originate from the 17th century when wine merchants made little openings in the walls in order to be able to serve drinks during the Italian Plague that lasted from 1629-1631. “They passed the flask of wine through the window to the client but did not receive payment directly into their hands. Instead, they passed a metal pallet to the client, who placed the coins on it, and then the seller disinfected them with vinegar before collecting them,” Buchette del Vino says.