Amber Cahill, Owner
There’s a new hum on Carolina Way – the kind that tells you something good is happening.
Step inside Western Carolina Brew & Wine and you’ll find the sound of Highlands relaxing: guitars tuning up, friends greeting friends, laughter spilling over full pint glasses.
Opened in February with a grand opening celebration in May, this lively brewpub has quickly become the town’s favorite place to gather, unwind, and be social. There’s no fuss – just a friendly, come-as-you-are space serving craft beer, wine, cider, seltzers, and bubbles. Families are welcome, dogs are too (you’ll find plenty napping under tables), and the mood is always light. It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s been here forever, even though it’s brand-new.
Western Carolina Brew & Wine has its own beer — a crisp lager, two hop-forward IPAs, and a rotating seasonal that keeps things interesting. You’ll spot their sleek cans all over town, from the Park on Main to Bryson’s. The philosophy is simple: good beer, good people, good conversation.
Music is the heartbeat of the place. Most Friday nights bring a lineup of regional acts – acoustic duos, full bands, and local favorites like Mick Mayer, The Highland Horns, David Lloyd, and Katie & Ezra – each adding their own rhythm to the relaxed, easy vibe. And then there are the ever-popular music bingo nights with DJ Mox, where locals pack the bar, sing along, and try their luck for a prize. It’s part competition, part karaoke, and all community spirit.
That same sense of connection carries into everything they do. Western Carolina Brew & Wine was a proud sponsor of Porchfest and supports both Mountaintop Rotary and Highlands Rotary Clubs, helping raise funds for local projects including the new town playground. The Highlands Humane Society has even hosted adoption events on the patio, where pints and puppy kisses go hand in hand.
A merch cart brims with local pride – think hats, beanies, sweatshirts, t shirts, pint sleeves, and stickers that celebrate Western Carolina Brew & Wine’s community spirit.
And while there’s no kitchen, there’s no shortage of snacks – a cart stocked with popcorn, pretzels, cookies, trail mix, and gummy bears, plus grab-and-go charcuterie keeps everyone happy.
Guests are also welcome to bring in food from other local spots to enjoy with their drinks. The space itself is flexible and fun, perfect for birthdays, wedding after-parties, or casual celebrations where the beer’s cold and the music keeps rolling. The venue is available for full or partial rentals, making it an ideal spot for any gathering.
Left to Right: Christal Green, Kristen Overstreet, Amber Cahill, Eric Cahill, and Murphy.
Western Carolina Brew & Wine isn’t just where Highlands goes to hang out, it’s where it goes to feel at home. Whether you come for the beer, the music, or the company, you’ll leave with something better: a sense of belonging that only grows stronger with every pour.
Western Carolina Brew & Wine is located at 454 Carolina Way. Winter hours: Thursday 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Friday-Sunday, Noon to-8:00 P.M. Follow them on Instagram @wcbrewwine or Facebook.
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