FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS / COLUMNS
IN THIS ISSUE
Volume 56, No. 1 • Spring 2026
14
FEATURES
10
HOW TO ATTRACT GEN Z TO ALCOHOL
What Does this Generation Drink? By Kyle Swartz
14
VERMONT EXCELS
Smart Business Practices By Kyle Swartz
Photos by: Andrew Cate
ON THE COVER!
12 18
CATEGORY TRENDS
Top Trends for 2026 By Melissa Dowling
12
22
18
DEPARTMENTS / COLUMNS
4 Editor’ s Note
5 On The Web
6 Data Driven
Craft Beer Gets a Boost By Melissa Dowling
8 Vinsights
Ripeness Matters More Than Grape Variety By Marnie Old
9 Legal Column
Hemp-Derived Drinks Here To Stay? By Steve Schain
22 Cannabis Regulator
A deep dive into legal cannabis By Krystina Skibo
28 Wine Reviews Old World Wines
30 On The Shelf
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www. stateways. com Spring 2026 • StateWays 3