Il Visibìlio Retains Michelin Star as Francesco Ferrettini Steps Up to Lead Fontanelle Estate’s Culinary Program

Francesco Ferrettini has been appointed as the new head of the culinary program at Fontanelle Estate, a luxury hospitality brand in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. The announcement was made today in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, marking a significant change for the estate’s three restaurants: La Colonna at Hotel Le Fontanelle, Osteria Il Tuscanico at The Club House, and the Michelin-starred Il Visibìlio.

Ferrettini, born in 1986 in Tuscany, has spent the last ten seasons working closely with outgoing chef Daniele Canella. He joined Ristorante La Colonna in 2014 as chef de partie and rose through the ranks to become head chef. His experience also includes time at Marina di Pietrasanta in Versilia and Belmond Castello di Casole, which have influenced his approach to cuisine rooted in local tradition.

The transition comes as Daniele Canella steps down to pursue new professional opportunities after more than a decade with Fontanelle Estate. Canella led La Colonna from 2011 to 2021 and then guided both Osteria Il Tuscanico and Il Visibìlio from 2022 to 2025. Under his leadership, Il Visibìlio earned its first Michelin star in 2023 and received the Passion Dessert Award in 2024.

Ferrettini expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that he is committed to continuing and enhancing the work started by Canella. He emphasized his intention to maintain the estate’s culinary philosophy while seeking new avenues for growth. The estate’s owners, the Bolfo family, highlighted Ferrettini’s deep understanding of their values and his ability to ensure continuity during this generational shift.

Supporting Ferrettini at Il Visibìlio will be executive sous chef Federico Bernini, who remains in his role to provide stability during the transition. Vincenzo Genuardi will continue as pastry chef for a third season at The Club House hotel.

The estate’s leadership described this change as a natural evolution that recognizes internal talent and preserves the legacy built over recent years. They also thanked Canella for his dedication and achievements, noting that his contributions have left a lasting mark on Fontanelle Estate’s reputation for excellence.

Il Visibìlio will continue its focus on creative fine dining with a blind-tasting menu that highlights high-quality ingredients and local products. The restaurant has become known as a laboratory for gastronomic research, developed with input from chefs including Giuseppe Iannotti.

As Ferrettini takes charge of all three restaurants, Fontanelle Estate looks to build on its established identity while exploring new directions in Tuscan cuisine. The change marks both an end and a beginning for one of Chianti Classico’s most recognized culinary destinations.