News Summary
Oscar P. Wong, the founder of Highland Brewing and renowned figure in Asheville’s craft beer community, passed away at 84 after a long battle with cancer. Regarded as the ‘Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer,’ Wong’s legacy includes a commitment to sustainability and community. A celebration of his life will be held at Highland Brewing, honoring his impact on the local industry and charity involvement. He is remembered not just for his entrepreneurial spirit but for his deep-rooted belief in community connections.
Asheville, NC – Oscar P. Wong, the founder of Highland Brewing, passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2025, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by his wife, Anna, and daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, at the time of his death. Wong had been battling cancer for three years, during which he was initially given an outlook of 6 to 12 months.
Wong was a significant figure in the evolution of craft beer in Asheville, often referred to as the “Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer.” He left behind a legacy of influence as an advocate for sustainability and community connection in a city known for its vibrant craft brewing culture, which now boasts approximately 50 breweries.
To honor his legacy, a celebration of Oscar Wong’s life is scheduled for June 29, 2025, at The Meadow at Highland Brewing, starting at noon. The event will feature live music, food, and a spirit of community. Attendees can expect performances by the Quartet from the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the Lillie Syracuse Band. Wong’s daughter will also address the crowd at 1 p.m. In a gesture of remembrance, Highland Brewing will donate one dollar to the Arc of Buncombe County for every Oscar Oatmeal Porter sold during the celebration. Wong had served as the board chair for this organization, which supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Oscar Wong founded Highland Brewing in 1994, setting up operations in the basement of Barley’s Taproom using refurbished dairy equipment. Over the years, he molded the brewery into a staple of the Asheville community, known for flagship beers such as Gaelic Ale, Oatmeal Porter, and Cold Mountain Winter Ale. His dedication to maintaining a family-owned enterprise resonated throughout the local craft beer scene, as he continuously demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the community.
Wong received numerous accolades for his contributions to both business and the community during his lifetime. His honors included the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year for North Carolina, the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and the Brewers Association’s Recognition Award. These accolades showcase his dedication not only to quality brewing but also to the social responsibilities that came with his success in the brewing industry.
The craft beer community in Asheville, along with organizations like the Brewers Association, has expressed deep sorrow over Wong’s passing, recognizing the profound impact he had on the industry. His belief that “personal relationships are the currency of life” guided not only his business practices but also his relationships with those around him. His generosity and genuine connections with individuals in the community made a lasting impression, and he was celebrated for always making people feel valued.
Oscar Wong is remembered as not just a pioneering entrepreneur but as a person who believed in the power of community and the importance of giving back. His contributions and the spirit he fostered within the craft beer movement set a high standard for future generations of brewers.
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Oscar P. Wong, Pioneer of Asheville Craft Beer, Passes Away
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Highland Brewing Celebrates Founder Oscar Wong
- Brewbound: Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing Founder, Dies at Age 84
- Mountain X: Oscar Wong, Founder of Highland Brewing Co. Dies at 84
- American Craft Beer: The Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer Dies
- Wikipedia: Oscar Wong
- Google Search: Oscar Wong Highland Brewing
