Big news for wine lovers and those with Armenia friends/roots. “Archeologists have unearthed the oldest wine-making facility ever found, using biochemical techniques to identify a dry red vintage made about 6,000 years ago in what is now southern Armenia. The excavation paints a picture of a complex society where mourners tasted a special vintage made at a caveside cemetery… Carbon dating showed a desiccated grape vine found near a wine press was grown around 4000 BC, his team reported. This makes it 1,000 years older than any other wine-making facility discovered.” (armenialiberty)

While snaekskin was in order below, we would like to point out the simplicity of the Paul Smith credit card holder wallet. While not exclusively new, it is a nice alternative to the pricey Goyard varietals. “Paul Smith – mens, black leather credit card case with a multistripe leather trim. The credit card wallet features five credit card sections, an embossed Paul Smith signature and purple lining.” Coggles has them.

More looks after the click.

For those in living in the cold we call Winter, Valet gives a short instruction set on how to keep those brogues clean. “Each winter, the United States uses 18,000 tons of salt on roads and sidewalks. Inevitably, a good portion of that salt will get absorbed into your shoes—leaving otherwise beautiful footwear dried out and stained. Here’s how to save your shoes.”

Read more at Valet.

Aloha Rag has some of the most prestigious buys every season. The carefully monitored brands and cutting-edge designers they carry every season always impresses me. The newest piece to arrive amongst the battalion of artists are a couple pieces from Martin Margiela. The “Margiela Cardigan” is a take on the traditional shawl collar cardigan. The sweater shoes us a “fine gauge knit” in the front of the piece and a “low-gauge knit panel at the back.” It’s 100% cotton and its all made in Italy. A perfect lightweight cardigan for spring and a leisure vacation to the Bahamas. (ar)

More looks after the click.

Because all news is good news – we point you at the latest in the Field Notes collection – The STENO. “THE STENO is 6″ by 9″ with a black Double-O Wiring spiral at the top so it lies flat, open or closed. Inside you’ll find 80 pages of 70# ‘Bright White’ paper with a fine, soy-based application of ‘Double Knee Duck Canvas’ light brown ink. The covers are Newark Paperboard Mills 60 pt. ‘Super Duty Chipboard,’ with a screen-printed 1-Color application of “Dictation Smudge” black ink.”

Rick Owens delivers his Spring/Summer collection early. HIs runway collection brings a monochromatic birth of smoke and style. Headwraps, long scarves, and minimal detailing on each piece drew the attention of the onlookers. This jacket was on one of the pieces I really paid attention too. This jacket would be the perfect spring summer jacket. The twill jacket is a lightweight knit that has two pockets and two internal jacket pockets. It has two zipper closures on sleeves and uses a center zipper closure. A good friend of mine is wears Rick Owens head-to-toe and I’m really starting to see the details that make this collection. The jacket is 89% cotton, 10% virgin wool and 2% elastane. A true design that has more details about it’s fit that one could ever imagine. it’s available at (thecorner).

More looks after the click.

Highsnob reports in on a new Hamilton special-edition watch for nano universe. “Japanese retailer nano universe has collaborated with Hamilton on a custom version of their classic Khaki Automatic Field Watch. The watch features a white face, a shiny black Cordovan-like band and various nano universe branding throughout. Now available for order at nano universe.”

More looks at Highsnobiety.

Aside from an amusing name, Andreas Kowalewski’s “Schomobel” has great functional benefit. Combining a chair and a shoe cabinet, Kowalewski designed the piece in 2003 and built it from oak and stainless steel. Perfect for the hall. Perfect for its undulating line as well.

Kowalewski was born in Germany and currently lives and works in Amsterdam.

More after the jump.

2011 could be the year for a another prominent push in skins. This Givenchy looks to start it off. “Textured leather bifold wallet in black with brown snakeskin embossing at front and back. Inside lined card slots, bill compartment and logo print. Tone on tone stitching” Ssense has them.

More looks after the click.

Shoe companies aren’t the only brands that collaborate. A growing trend in the brewing industry is for folks to put their collective wits together produce new and intriguing beers. Vrienden mates the minds of Allagash Brewing of Portland, ME with Colorado’s New Beligium. New Beligium says “Get a Belgian Brewmaster and a master of Belgian brewing together and theres sure to be spontaneous imagination that leads to micro-organisms mingling in fermentation. Allagash and New Belgium are pleased to offer you our collabeeration brewed with the slightly fruity hibiscus flower, the aromatic Brettanomyces, and the flavor-boosting Lactobacillus.”

We like how they call it collabeeration. As long as the ideas are refreshing, we won’t mind reporting on more like beverages.

A short video introducing the Vrienden bottle design after the jump.