Simone Santini

Coming Up

Today, Simone Santini holds two working modes: owner of Le Calcinaie and private chef with Self-employed. That split maps a cook who can move between a fixed house and a private table, keeping the same emphasis on seasonality, control, and timing. At Le Calcinaie in San Gimignano, Siena, the cooking sits inside a specific place; as a private chef, it shifts to a more direct reading of the client and the room.

Where They Are Now

Certified Organic sits alongside Simone Santini’s work at Le Calcinaie, and the fit is practical rather than decorative. In San Gimignano, Siena, the food is described as clean, thoughtful, and tuned to the moment, with restraint doing as much work as richness. The line to follow here is clear: the table should feel composed, the flavors should stay readable, and the meal should still leave room for surprise.

Career - owner — Le Calcinaie, San Gimignano - private chef — Self-employed, Umbria, Tuscia, and Tuscany

Signature

Vigna ai Sassi Riserva, Teodoro, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Chianti Colli Senesi are the signatures associated with Simone Santini. The list points to a kitchen and cellar language grounded in place, with the names themselves carrying much of the weight. Rather than pushing toward excess, the signatures sit closer to clarity: regional identity, direct flavor, and a style that lets the work show without forcing it.

In Their Words “‘For me, cooking means making people feel good around the table, with clean, seasonal, and never predictable Italian cuisine.’” That track moves through Spain and Italy, with luxury hotels, catering, restaurants mentioned in the main gastronomic guides, banqueting, and high-level events all sitting inside the same practical skill set. The record suggests range without drift: service handled at different scales, but always with the same aim of making the table feel welcoming, considered, and not entirely expected.

FAQ What is Simone Santini's current role? As of 2026, Simone Santini is Owner of Le Calcinaie. What recognition has Simone Santini received? Wine Spectator score 91 (2020).