strength comes from togetherness
The Simon family aims to celebrate the people and moments that coalesce to make their inimitable wines possible.
Sam & Nada Simon
FoundersSam Simon
An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and vintner, Sam Simon is the Founder and Chairman of Simon Group Holdings, a diversified private investment firm based in Birmingham, Michigan. Born in Iraq and raised in Detroit after his family fled persecution when he was nine, Sam’s life embodies perseverance, faith, and the pursuit of possibility. From humble beginnings working alongside his father at a gas station, he learned the values of hard work and gratitude that would define his career.
In 1985, Sam launched Atlas Oil Company with a single truck and a vision for something greater. Today, Atlas is a national energy enterprise with more than 500 employees. Building on that success, Sam founded Simon Group Holdings, which now encompasses ventures across energy, real estate, aerospace, technology, and hospitality.
Recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and one of Fortune’s Visionaries of Detroit, Sam’s achievements are matched by his deep commitment to service. Together with his wife, Nada, he leads the Sam & Nada Simon Foundation, supporting military families, veterans, youth education, and immigrant communities.
That same spirit of gratitude and legacy inspired the creation of Simon Family Estate in Napa Valley—a reflection of Sam’s lifelong passion for wine, craftsmanship, and connection. Through the estate, he and his family honor their heritage and celebrate the idea that with dedication, generosity, and faith, dreams can take root and flourish.
Nada Simon
Born in the Middle East and raised in the United States from the age of thirteen, Nada Simon embodies the American Dream. After earning a degree in Business Administration from Siena Heights University, she began her career at Ford Motor Company, where her determination and leadership led to three rapid promotions. In 1986, she joined her future husband, Sam Simon, at his newly founded Atlas Oil Company as Director of Sales, helping build what would become a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
In 2000, Nada stepped away from corporate life to focus on raising their twin sons, Peter and Michael, while dedicating herself to community and philanthropic work. She has served on the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School and continues to lead the Sam and Nada Simon Foundation, which supports military families, veterans, youth education, and immigrant communities.
A believer in gratitude and service, Nada views giving back as both a responsibility and a privilege. Her sense of purpose extends to Simon Family Estate, where she and her family bring that same commitment to excellence, authenticity, and generosity—crafting wines that celebrate heritage, family, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
“My father taught me how to dedicate myself to hard work. If you want something, you must go after it and never give up. Nobody’s going to give it to you.“
Sam & Nada Simon
Founders
Michael Simon
VintnerDriven by curiosity and purpose, Michael Simon brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to every venture he undertakes. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he has worked across multiple Simon Group Holdings companies, gaining valuable experience in energy, logistics, and investment management. Michael also spent time with Atlas Oil’s Frac and Oil Field Services Division, working on rig sites and embracing the demanding work ethic that has long defined his family’s values.
Beyond business, Michael is passionate about travel, culture, and lifelong learning. His curiosity about craftsmanship and place led him to Simon Family Estate, where he spent a full harvest season immersed in the winemaking process. From vineyard to cellar, he gained a deep appreciation for the precision, patience, and collaboration that great wine requires.
Grounded in family, friendship, and gratitude, Michael is proud that one of Simon Family Estate’s Double Blessings wines bears his name—a reflection of the family’s belief that their truest success is measured in legacy, love, and shared experience.
Michael Simon
Vintner
Peter Simon
VintnerA lifelong sports enthusiast and entrepreneur, Peter Simon serves as President of Simon Sports, the family’s sports investment and management firm founded in 2022. With a deep passion for athletics and teamwork, Peter has been immersed in sports since childhood—playing, managing, and supporting teams throughout his youth, including the state championship-winning men’s soccer team at his high school. He went on to graduate from Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business with a degree in Sports Management.
At Simon Sports, Peter oversees the company’s growing portfolio and leads deal flow evaluation, investment sourcing, and strategic partnerships. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded across two divisions—operations, focused on team ownership and franchise management, and investments, which supports emerging innovations in sports technology, equipment, media, and wellness. Peter also serves as a General Partner and Investment Committee Member at Midnight, a wellness-focused investment firm based in Austin, and as a Partner at Onstage, Europe’s largest demo-day platform connecting founders and venture capital firms.
Rooted in a culture of humility, collaboration, and integrity, Peter brings a fresh perspective to the family’s entrepreneurial legacy. He is deeply proud that one of Simon Family Estate’s hallmark wines, “Double Blessings – Peter,” bears his name—a reflection of his parents’ belief that their greatest legacy is family.
In his free time, Peter enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and, true to form, watching as many games as he can.
Peter Simon
Vintner
Maayan Koschitzky
WinemakerMaayan Koschitzky is one of the most respected and talented winemakers in Napa Valley. His belief that wine brings people together united him with Sam, and now he leads the team to create the best Napa Valley offers every vintage.
Born in Israel to a long line of farmers, Maayan studied engineering before embarking on a career in winemaking. Having gained experience in both vineyards and winemaking in his native country, he moved to California in 2011 and held positions at the legendary Screaming Eagle Winery and Dalla Valle Vineyards. This led to working with one of the most highly regarded winemakers in the U.S., Philippe Melka.
As Director of Winemaking at Atelier Melka, which he joined in 2014, Maayan has himself become a highly sought-after winemaker, one who has made a name crafting wines for some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries. At Simon Family Estate, Maayan sources from multiple pedigreed vineyards to craft small production, luxury wines that reflect Napa Valley terroir at its finest.
“Sam is first and foremost a friend. But his energy and drive keep me on my toes. He gives me the space to push boundaries without being afraid to fail.”
Maayan Koschitzky
Winemaker
Ilse Mapes
General ManagerIlse began her wine career in fine-dining restaurants while studying criminology and art history in college. A fateful encounter with Joe Heitz of Heitz Cellars and the influence of a local wine collector sparked a lifelong passion for wine. Raised in a military family, with her father serving in the U.S. Army and later Special Forces, and her sister serving in the U.S. Navy before joining the State Department, Ilse initially planned a path in federal service. Ultimately, she shifted direction and joined Southern Wine & Spirits of Kentucky, later moving to Southern California to represent Frederick Wildman Imports, overseeing half of California.
Her sales and hospitality career deepened in Los Angeles at Henry Wine Group, where she guided growth in her West Hollywood territory, partnering with accounts ranging from The Château Marmont to small family-run businesses.
In 2008, Ilse relocated to Napa Valley and founded a boutique company specializing in curated wine and food pairings for wineries and wine clubs. After welcoming her son, Oliver, she continued her career at Benchmark Wine Group and with respected Napa Valley wineries, including Vice Versa, Chappellet, and Shafer Vineyards. Outside of work, Ilse enjoys traveling with her husband, Will, painting, and happily managing the family’s ever-growing menagerie of pets.
Ilse Mapes
General Manager
Josh Kretchmer
Director of National & Private Client SalesJosh’s love and passion for the hospitality industry has now spanned two decades, the last eight of which has been dedicated to Napa Valley’s luxury wine industry. Josh has more recently held positions as General Manager of Arrow&Branch Winery and National Sales Director for ADAMVS on Howell Mountain. His breadth of knowledge of the wine industry holds a direct connection to the incredible winemakers and vintners he has been fortunate to work with over the years.
“This valley is filled with passionate, dedicated professionals who are willing to teach if you are willing to learn. There is no question that I would not be where I am today without so many people taking the time to pass on their knowledge of vineyard, winemaking and brand building.”
Today, Josh knows his passion and love lies in building brands through storytelling, building meaningful connections with clients and showing respect for time and effort that goes into making a single bottle of wine. Josh and his wife, Colleen, are parents to Tobias (5) and Anna May (3) and love spending time traveling, watching Josh cook, being outdoors and most of all, family time with the Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Josh Kretchmer
Director of National & Private Client Sales
Waverly Accurso
Client Services ManagerWaverly’s experience in the wine industry is rooted in the scenes of winemaking. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she earned her Wine Business degree, she worked at notable wineries, including Roederer Estate, Frank Family and Hundred Acre, before joining the Simon Family Estate team. Her skill sets involved quality control management in the labs, cellar, crush pad, and vineyards. Waverly’s experience in working with high-end producers allows her the ability to ensure quality is not compromised, from the bottling line to shipping out wine orders. She is now overseeing all operational needs, while providing excellent customer service to Simon Family Estate collectors.
Both Waverly and her husband, Michael share the passion of enjoying beautifully crafted wines, accompanied by delectable food with their loved ones, including their young children Angelo and Evelyn.
“For me the greatest reward in this profession is witnessing both the passion and art of winemaking join together to create a very special product, and the opportunity to share and enjoy with others.”
Waverly Accurso
Client Services Manager
Paul Coker
Business Development and Sales ManagerPaul Coker has been in the wine industry for over fifteen years as a Wine Director and Sommelier. He began his career in retail as a buyer for Amazing Grapes Wine Store before moving to the restaurant side holding leadership roles at The Cellar, Studio at Montage, Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern, St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach Resort, SRC Restaurant Group, Montage Healdsburg and Canlis. Paul has been a part of seven Wine Spectator Grand Awards and three James Beard Awards. Additionally, he holds a Diploma from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust and is an Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He was a finalist in the Best USA Sommelier competition in 2019 and won the Guild of Sommeliers Online Wine Knowledge Competition in 2020.
“My career in wine has taught me that the future is where your focus needs to be. The early success and achievements at Simon Family Estate are only a glimpse of things to come. It is a team pushing each other to achieve greatness (and having fun along the way.)”
Currently Paul, his wife Emily, and their dog Freddy live in Sonoma County wine country where they enjoy cooking, sports, and road trips to National Parks.