Our Story

Top Selection was launched by Ákos and Michelle Forczek from the spare bedroom of their house in Balham in 2000, signing the first exclusive distribution agreement with Hungarian maestro István Szepsy the same year. Over the following 24 years their drive and entrepreneurial spirit has seen the business grow to be recognized as one of the countries most admired family-owned, independent importers and distributors of premium wines and spirits in the UK.

Szepsy is just one of several producers who have been with Top Selection for over 20 years with the portfolio now representing over 100 family-owned and boutique producers from 21 countries. Along the way there have been many milestones, from becoming the exclusive distributor of Egon Müller in 2006 to being named UK Fine Wine Merchant of the Year by the SWA for 3 consecutive years from 2018-2020.

2000
Founded by Ákos and Michelle Forczek in their home in London. 1st distribution agreement with Szepsy, Hungary.
2000
2001
Adelphi Whiskey added to the portfolio.
2001
2004
We moved from Piccadilly to Conduit Street where we remained for 14 years. We founded and held the first instalment of the Botrytis Forum with Chateau d'Yquem, Kracher, Szepsy and Egon Müller.
2004
2005
Egon Müller shocked the industry by cancelling distribution with 7 firms to give exclusivity to Top Selection
2005
2006
Alves de Sousa joined Top Selection
2006
2007
David Duband joined Top Selection distribution..
2007
2008
Top Selection began distributing Yves Cuilleron and Andre Jacquart Champagne.
2008
2016
Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA), impressed by our wine line up, created a new award category just for Top Selection: Boutique Wine Merchant of the Year.
2016
2017
We retained Boutique Wine Merchant of the Year award.
2017
2018
We relocated to our new offices in Nine Elms.
2018
2019
SWA awarded Top Selection the Fine Wine Merchant of the Year three years in a row.
2019
2020
Duckhorn choose Top Selection to represent their entire portfolio in the UK.
2020
2023
Penfolds added Top Selection to their distribution with a focus on On-Trade.
2023
2024
Top Selection debuts at no 19 in the Harpers Top 50 UK Wholesalers Awards
2024
2025
Top Selection's 25th anniversary! 25 years of supplying the best accounts in the UK with some of the world's best wines and spirits.
2025