You do have to put it together. I think I did a pretty good job, but its not perfect. The doors aren't on completely straight. So if you aren't the most "handy," then this unit isn't for you.

Update- 18 months later: Wine cabinet is still holding up, but we moved and in moving the cabinet, some pieces started to come off when we tried lifting it. Also, the wine rack in the middle can only hold Riesling bottles. Nothing larger.