A great wine collection represents an investment of time and money to procure each bottle. For many, the idea of collecting may conjure images of a cellar containing hundreds and hundreds of dust-covered, century-aged bottles. People new to the world of wine will start with much smaller collections, and such lavish amenities are not necessary. Wine is a perishable food, however, and exposure to fluctuations in light, heat, temperature, or humidity can result in spoilage. Most collectors store their prized possessions in a wine cabinet, a unit that provides storage at an ideal temperature and humidity level.

As with any other home purchase, wine cabinets can range from economical to extravagant. Though there are several manufacturers of these cabinets, two stand out for their exceptional and unique quality - Marvel and Vinotheque. Both produce a high-end cabinet, but each carries a unique style. Marvel wine coolers have been around for over seventy years, and they are known for staying on the cutting edge of design. Marvel cabinets are ideal for a home of modern luxury, with their sleek and simple image. On the other hand, a Vinotheque wine cabinet will likely reflect a more "old world" charm. These attractive wood cabinets are handcrafted to fit customer specifications. The artisan workmanship of these pieces allow them to function as beautiful pieces of furniture as well as wine storage.

Because they are sleek and modern, a Marvel wine cooler is often found under a kitchen counter, as part of the lower cabinetry. They are intended to be versatile, ideal for any room - indoor or outdoor. For this reason, they typically store twenty-five to fifty bottles, although they do have models that hold up to 108 bottles. For larger collections, a Vinotheque cabinet can accommodate hundreds of bottles; many of their models will hold over 500 bottles. Bottle for bottle, the cost is comparative between Marvel and Vinotheque.

In addition to the number of bottles stored, the racking options vary between the two models. Marvel coolers are marked with their ebony interiors and sliding racks. Almost all models also include an interior light that can remain on at all time. Most racks hold the bottle at a slant, which still maintains cork moisture. The Vinotheque offers a traditional horizontal rack, though some models offer both horizontal and slanted. Racking options with the Vinotheque range from Standard, Universal, Progressive, and Display, depending on the types of wine in the collection.

A wine cabinet is more than storage. It is a statement of the owner's love for his or her wine and should reflect the style of its owner as well as the quality of the wine. Whichever model you choose, a Marvel or Vinotheque cabinet will be a worthwhile investment.