Oregon Public Broadcasting

Craft beer is selling well in these tough economic times.

Paul Gatzer of the Brewers Association says small and independent brewers sold 10 percent more last year.

Paul Gatzer: "The American public is thinking about their own values and they're thinking about small and local and independent businesses. They're also thinking about the quality of the beverage they're tasting -- it's never been a better time to be a beer drinker in this country."

The growth comes as overall beer sales in the country are down.

The wine industry is facing a similar problem. In Oregon, the amount of wine sold, fell 5 percent last year.

A study of vineyards in California found that people are still buying wine -- but they're opting for cheaper bottles.