By Raphael Simon · Monday 08 December 2025
The Fontanelle Estate group opens a new gastronomic chapter with the appointment of Francesco Ferrettini as Executive Chef of its three restaurants located in the heart of Chianti Classico: La Colonna, Osteria Il Tuscanico, and Il Visibìlio, the latter being Michelin-starred. After ten seasons of a shared journey with Chef Daniele Canella, Ferrettini officially takes the helm of the brand’s culinary project.
A Natural Handover and Valued Internal Progression
Born in 1986 and deeply rooted in his region, Francesco Ferrettini embodies the new generation of talent who have progressed within the Estate. Having arrived in 2014 as chef de partie at La Colonna, he gradually climbed the ranks to become a key member of the brigade. Today, Francesco Ferrettini takes the helm of Fontanelle Estate’s three restaurants in Tuscany, La Colonna (at Le Fontanelle 5 hotel), Il Visibìlio, and Osteria Il Tuscanico (within The Club House 5).
His appointment marks a harmonious transition, based on continuity and the recognition of internal skills. Ferrettini acknowledges this step with humility :
“I accept this responsibility with gratitude, determined to continue and strengthen the work undertaken over the years.”
This development comes as Chef Daniele Canella, a major figure at the Estate for twelve years, chooses to explore new professional horizons. His tenure left a significant mark: a decade at the helm of La Colonna (2011 · 2021), followed by the direction of Osteria Il Tuscanico and Il Visibìlio between 2022 and 2025, a period distinguished by the acquisition of a Michelin star in 2023 and the Passion Dessert Award in 2024.
Canella explains:
“After many years of commitment and excellent results, I feel the need to open a new chapter, both personal and professional.”
A Solid, Contemporary Vision Rooted in Tuscan Heritage
By entrusting the reins to Francesco Ferrettini, Fontanelle Estate renews its confidence in a chef who perfectly masters its philosophy: a contemporary, refined cuisine, faithful to the Tuscan land, while remaining open to innovation.
To ensure stability and creativity, he will be accompanied by figures already well-established within the team :
- Federico Bernini, confirmed in his role as Executive Sous Chef of Il Visibìlio;
- Vincenzo Genuardi, Pastry Chef, who will begin his third season with The Club House in 2026.
Ferrettini emphasises the importance of the journey shared with Canella :
“Our collaboration, which began in 2014, has been consolidated over the years. The Il Visibìlio project, also developed with Chef Giuseppe Iannotti, has become a true laboratory for creation and research. The restaurant’s future will follow this same direction, with a blind tasting menu centred on the excellence of local products.”
The Bolfo Family’s Support
The Bolfo family, owners of the Estate, express their gratitude and confidence :
“We extend our best wishes to both chefs for their future endeavours. The years spent with Daniele Canella have been rich and formative. They will remain an important chapter in the history of Fontanelle Estate.”
Biography of Francesco Ferrettini
Born in Tuscany in 1986, Francesco Ferrettini began his journey at Ristorante La Colonna in 2014. Partially trained in Marina di Pietrasanta, Versilia, as well as at Belmond Castello di Casole, he developed a mature, distinctive culinary approach deeply linked to local products. His ascent within Fontanelle Estate attests to his talent, commitment, and natural affinity with the group’s values.
