If you are walking through the streets of Florence, in TuscanyAnd when you notice a small arched doorway in an old wall, stop everything. You've just found a... Buchetta del VinoWhat began as a sales strategy for noble families in the 16th century is now the most sought-after experience for tourists looking for the "other side" of Italy.
What are the little windows?
Originally, they were created by wine producers who wanted to sell the surplus of their harvests directly to the public, without paying taxes and without intermediaries.
These windows gained a vital function during the Black Death. They allowed for "social distancing" centuries before 2020: the seller would hand the cup through the opening and the buyer would deposit the coins in a metal tray filled with vinegar (for disinfection), avoiding direct contact.
The ritual: How does it work in Florence?
After years of being forgotten, the holes They were restored. Today, the ritual that hypnotizes TikTok is simple:
- The sign: You knock on the little door or ring the bell.
- The mystery: An arm emerges from inside (often you don't even see the attendant's face).
- The toast: You receive a glass of Chianti or an ice-cold Aperol Spritz.
It's the price? Although the title "1 Euro Wine" helps with viral videos, in 2026 prices in Italy will range between €5,00 and €8,00, depending on the quality of the label.
Bixiga Connection: The Brazilian version
If your ticket to Tuscany hasn't been issued yet, you can get a taste of this tradition on Brazilian soil. In the heart of São Paulo, in Bixiga neighborhood (the neighborhood of Italian restaurants), the "wine window" is already a reality.
It all began on the quiet street Doutor Nestor Esteves Natividade, with the Café com Arquitetura coffee shop. The architect and businessman Murilo Grilo decided to "borrow" the establishment's wall to recreate the Italian custom.
In São Paulo's culinary scene, the experience is democratic:
Accompaniments: Besides wine, the window serves coffee, bruschetta, and vegan brownies for those who prefer a snack on the sidewalk.
Wine glass: Approximately R$18 (Cabernet Sauvignon).
Italian options: Labels such as Primitivo Puglia and the white Grillo Nadaría.
