Wong Was 'Visionary' Who Pioneered Asheville's Craft Beer Scene, Highland Brewing Fans Say

Charlotte breweries pay respects after death of Highland founder, NC craft beer pioneer

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- The Charlotte brewery community is mourning the loss of a North Carolina craft beer pioneer.  Asheville’s Highland Brewing Company announced that founder Oscar Wong died Sunday after a battle with cancer. He was 84. “With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Oscar P. Wong, lovingly known as the ‘Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer,’” the brewery wrote on social media.  Fin…

Wong was 'visionary' who pioneered Asheville's craft beer scene, Highland Brewing fans say

By Neydja Petithomme Click here for updates on this story     ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Highland Brewing customers and fans remember the company’s late founder as a visionary and reflect on the brand’s rise to prominence in Asheville and beyond. Highland Brewing Company confirmed that its founder, Oscar Wong, died on Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was 84 years old. At the age of 54, after retiring from his engineering career, Wong founded the…

North Carolina brewing company mourns the passing of it's founder

ASHVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) -- Oscar P. Wong, the founder of North Carolina staple Highland Brewing, has passed away. Wong passed away after a multi-year long battle with Cancer. Wong founded Highland Brewing in the basement of a pizza shop in downtown Ashville. Highland has grown into one of the largest brewing companies in the Southeast and have now been making beer for over 27 years. During his life, Wong turned a post-retirement hobby into a pione…

The “Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer” Dies

Highland Brewing’s beloved founder, Oscar Wong, passed away over the weekend at the age of 84. ...

Oscar Wong, trailblazer of Asheville craft beer, dies at age 84 - Hendersonville Lightning

Oscar P. Wong, lovingly known as the "Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer" passed peacefully at home on Sunday, May 25, 2025 with Anna, his wife of over 57 years, and Leah, one of his two daughters, at his side.

Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Co., dies at 84 – Mountain Xpress

"Oscar was a brilliant engineer-turned-entrepreneur who always embodied generosity, humility, and above all else, connection,” reads a statement from Highland Brewing Co.