About

Immigrant founded, woman led.

Asheville’s Original Craft Brewery

Highland Brewing Company is the largest independent, family-owned brewery native to the Southeast. With a portfolio of beers that honor tradition and blaze new trails, we’re honored to be Asheville’s pioneer in craft and a leader in southern beer.

Our story began in 1994 when Oscar Wong, a Chinese-Jamaican immigrant and retired engineer, introduced Asheville to Highland’s first beer using refurbished dairy equipment in the basement of Barley’s Taproom. This humble location housed operations for 13 years as Oscar’s hobby churned out beloved first favorites: Gaelic Ale, Oatmeal Porter, and Cold Mountain Winter Ale. Little did he know, Oscar laid the foundation for a robust brewing community that would grow to over 35 breweries within city limits.  

In 2006, we moved to a sprawling 11-acre facility on 40 acres of land on a hill in East Asheville. This location, once Blue Ridge Motion Picture Studios, has transformed into more than just a brewing operation. Highland is also a destination brewery featuring five sand volleyball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, indoor and outdoor public spaces, and wedding and meeting venues, including a spacious rooftop.

Leah Wong Ashburn, Oscar’s daughter, joined the company in 2011 in a sales position, became President in 2015, and CEO in 2018 while Oscar holds Vice President and Chief Schmoozer titles. Brock Ashburn, professional engineer, builder, and married to Leah, is Vice President. Rounding out the executive team is Nikki Mitchell, who was promoted from event sales to Hospitality Director to Vice President. Today, Highland is a force of over 100 individuals with a passion for craft beer and community operating from our East Asheville brewery and campus.