Oklawaha Brewing: A Gem in the Heart of Hendersonville

When Joe Dinan took over Oklawaha Brewing in 2020, it was a time of uncertainty. “I took over running Oklawaha independently in 2020. It was a wild time—we were coming out of COVID, and everything felt uncertain. Thankfully, I had an incredible support system around me, which gave me the confidence to take on such a big challenge,” Joe shares.

The decision to open a brewery was deeply rooted in Joe’s dual passions for hospitality and craft beer. “In my late 20s, I was working at a chain restaurant and a bank when I started homebrewing and devouring every book I could find on beer. That curiosity eventually led me to bartend and intern at Goose Island Brewing in Chicago. A year later, in 2010, I moved to Asheville and dove into the Western Carolina beer scene, starting at the Thirsty Monk Pub.”

Joe’s journey included roles at Wicked Weed Brewing and earning a certificate from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He eventually realized that downtown Hendersonville was ready for a brewery of its own. “For years, I wondered when someone would open a brewery in downtown Hendersonville. After gaining experience and skills at Wicked Weed, I realized it was time for that ‘someone’ to be me,” Joe reflects.

Today, Oklawaha Brewing stands as a cornerstone of Hendersonville’s vibrant downtown, offering a taste of the town’s craft beer excellence. The name “Oklawaha” itself is an ode to the local creek.

Oklawaha Brewing is a cornerstone of Hendersonville’s vibrant downtown, offering a taste of the town’s craft beer excellence. Owner Joe Dinan shares the story behind the brewery’s name: “Oklawaha comes from the creek that runs through right downtown here in a greenway that runs parallel to it. It’s a little tiny creek that you can step over most days until we get a bit of rain… So, it is very tiny but mighty.”

The brewery has gained recognition for its diverse selection of craft beers. “Oklawaha features classic German-style lagers, hop-forward IPAs, and locally fruited sours,” Joe proudly states. “We just won a gold medal for our Imperial Coffee Stout at the US Open, and we also won a silver for our Tiny Pils, which is a 3% pilsner.” Beyond awards, the brewery is most proud of its local impact: “We’ve also won Business That Represents the Spirit of Your Town three years in a row, and so that is what I’m most proud of.”

When Hurricane Helene struck Western Carolina, it disrupted life for many, but Oklawaha Brewing became a beacon of community and resilience. “Just like everybody in Western Carolina, we were totally blindsided by it,” Joe recalls. Despite the challenges, the brewery quickly became a hub where people could gather, find comfort, and reconnect.

“We were just happy to be a community hub,” Joe says. “The open mic here that night… there were people here from Lake Lure. The energy was amazing because people just needed to feel normal.”

During the day, the brewery team joined in clearing fallen trees and helping neighbors. At night, they provided a safe space for the community to gather and support one another.

As Hendersonville continues to thrive, visitors play a crucial role in supporting its recovery and growth. Joe emphasizes the importance of rediscovering this special place: “The best way to support Henderson County and Hendersonville right now would be to come visit, stay at a local Airbnb, rediscover the area, and go hiking. The parks are all open. Enjoy the beautiful downtown. The restaurants are amazing. They’re back to capacity. The wineries are open. See us, rediscover the beauty of Henderson County, and make some new memories.”

A visit to Oklawaha Brewing should be at the top of any Hendersonville itinerary. “If you’re traveling through Hendersonville, I think you should most definitely come by Oklawaha Brewing,” Joe suggests. “It’s a great spot to have a beer before or after your meal at one of the amazing restaurants here. It’s also a great place to get a vibe for the town. Locals and tourists alike come here—it’s a very fun, relaxed, chill vibe.”

Hendersonville offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and tight-knit community. From its award-winning breweries to its vibrant downtown and stunning outdoor recreation, there’s something here for everyone. As Joe puts it: “Hendersonville is an incredible destination. It’s not just the mountains and outdoor recreation, but also the culture, history, music, food, and everything in between.”

Plan your visit today and let Oklawaha Brewing be your gateway to experiencing the very best of Hendersonville.