Granny, it all depends on the conditions in your house. Our house is very well insulated and keeps a fairly constant temp and humidity. I just have my wines on a rack in the living room area. If you want to buy a freestanding unit the difference in what you are taking about it the cooler is basically a refrigerator that just don't go down real cold. Maybe to 38 degrees or so. I have one of these I keep white and fruit wines in before serving. The wine cellar is a unit that is humidity controlled that will keep the wines at cellar temperature and humidity. I think they stay around 55F or so. Not positive of the temp thoughthough.