Welcome To Florence!
Yes, nighttime in Florence Italy is magical, as the Arno river flows through the center of town…my wife Alex and I love the city, filled with incredible architecture…such as the famous “Ponte Vecchio” bridge that houses many classic shops…
There is so much to see in this magical city – you can go inside one of the iconic Museums – or just wander the streets – we did both!
It truly is a stunning city, and of course when you are there in summer, the crowds will be there as well..here’s a look:
After wandering through the crowded streets, we worked up a thirst…and we took care of it in a very unique way, as terrific blogger Sophie Anne Nadeau posted about:
Florence Has “Wine Windows!”
Sophie’s post reminded me it was time to share our “wine window” adventure!
Step Up To A “Buchette del Vino!”
These are uniquely Florence! These tiny windows actually serve wine!
Here what I found out:
A “Buchette del Vino” is a wine window that emerges from the façade of ancient palaces in the center of the city.
Wikipedia describes them this way:
“They are little windows with inscriptions on the walls of some local nobles’ palaces. They have been used for hundreds of years to sell wine in a fiasco (glass bottle) without having to open a shop and avoid paying taxes.”
When we found one, there was a line outside waiting to order…Alex took her spot while I took pictures!
When it was her turn, here is what happened:
That is literally how easy it is – the tiny window opens to take your order, then closes until they re-emerge with your wine – and you simply stand away from the window, enjoy your glass of wine, and someone comes out to collect the empties!
And they are so nice and fun!
By the way, there were health reasons for these windows to be created. Wikipedia goes on to explain:
“These wine windows also posed a useful anti-contagion way to sell wine during the epidemic of 1630-1633. And more recently, during the days of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. When restaurants, bars, and gelateria began reusing these ancient buchette del vino to sell their products, just like 400 years ago. “
Cheers to that!
Of course, we also ate in Florence, and that led us to the most famous steak palace in the city!
Regina Bistecca is legendary – and remember, they only serve the steak on way so if you don’t like rare, you can’t have it!
And how rare is rare? Well, watch this!
An incredible presentation and amazing steak – click here to see the entire meal close up!
We stopped in Florence before heading onto Cortona, home of the house used for filming in the classic romantic comedy “Under The Tuscan Sun!”
Here a look at the road outside the house – the one used extensively in the film:
Click here to get a tour inside with more video from inside the house and more!
The goal of “Bite! Eat! Repeat!” is to look at unique food, great food destinations, and lots of recipes as well…and yes, I am drawn to places that become famous on Instagram, like this one:
From the tiny alleyway packed with tables on the lower right to the incredible sunset, Mykonos Greece has it all and you can see it here:
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Cheers from Florence! If you like this story please share on social media – thanks!
Categories: Alcohol And Bars, Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Food Travel, Restaurants, Travel, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
I love this concept and want wine windows here =
Agree!
If they opened a wine window in Beetley, I would be the best customer! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
I as well Pete!
I think these wine windows are a great idea, John