Oscar Wong, Pioneer of Asheville Craft Beer, Passes Away

People enjoying craft beer at Highland Brewing in Asheville

News Summary

Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Company and a key figure in Asheville’s craft beer scene, has passed away at the age of 84 after a long battle with cancer. Known as the ‘Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer’, Wong’s contributions to the brewing community have left a lasting impact, leading to recognition from his peers and the local government. His legacy will continue through his daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, who has taken over the brewery. A celebration of his life is set to take place at Highland Brewing in late June.

Asheville, North Carolina – Oscar Wong, a pioneering figure in the craft beer industry and the founder of Highland Brewing Company, passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2025, at the age of 84. Surrounded by his loving family, including his wife Anna and daughter Leah Wong Ashburn, Wong had been battling cancer for three years, initially given a prognosis of 6-12 months.

Wong founded Highland Brewing Company in 1994, establishing it as Asheville’s first legal craft brewery since the era of Prohibition. Under his guidance, Highland Brewing grew to become the largest family-owned brewery in the Southeastern United States, attracting over 150,000 visitors annually. In 2015, he handed over leadership of the brewery to his daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, ensuring the continuation of his legacy within the brewing community.

Recognized affectionately as the “Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer,” Wong made significant contributions to the craft brewing movement, earning a national Recognition Award from the Brewers Association. In 2023, he received the esteemed Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor given by the governor of North Carolina, in recognition of his exceptional service. Additionally, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County honored him by declaring May 16 as Oscar Wong Day.

Community leaders and various Asheville-based breweries have expressed their condolences, highlighting Wong’s ample contributions to the local economy and craft beer culture. Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer commended Wong for his impactful role in shaping the city’s craft beer scene, referring to him as a “mountain of a man” whose influence extended beyond brewing.

Throughout his life, Wong received numerous accolades, including being named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year for North Carolina. He cultivated personal relationships and emphasized community connections, a philosophy that remained central to his life and work.

Wong was born to Chinese immigrants from Jamaica and began his professional journey in engineering before transitioning into the brewing industry. His inaugural brewing endeavors took place in the basement of Barley’s Taproom, where he utilized refurbished dairy equipment to produce Highland’s first beers.

A celebration of Oscar Wong’s life is scheduled for June 29, 2025, at Highland Brewing in Asheville, where friends, family, and fans of his work will gather to honor his legacy. The Brewers Association also issued a statement mourning Wong’s death and recognizing his profound impact on the craft brewing community.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Wong played an active role in community service, becoming a mentor and guiding many aspiring craft brewers throughout the years. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to his community, making him a beloved figure in Asheville and an influential leader in the craft beer movement.