Straight from the Source

Locally Made in Seattle Southside

Last Updated: August 11, 2026

Great regions produce great things.

Seattle Southside, a region that includes Tukwila, SeaTac, and Des Moines, is proud to be home to some of the Pacific Northwest's most interesting, creative, and iconic brands. Read on to see what's made in our curiously wonderful neck of the woods.

Pictured: A mead flight at Oppegaard Meadery in Tukwila, WA.
Seattle Chocolate (Maeve and jcoco)
Bacovino Winery
Oppegaard Meadery
Second Love Coffee
d’Aigle Autoharps and Folk Instruments
Companies Based in Seattle Southside

Seattle Chocolate (Makers of Maeve and jcoco chocolates)

Since 1991, Seattle Chocolate has been one of the most beloved names in chocolate, renowned for its distinct, melt-in-your-mouth truffles and eye-catching, design-forward packaging that makes it a popular gift item. Manufactured in Tukwila, Washington, it regularly offers public tours of the factory (which include tastings and wine pairings).

In 2025, this woman-owned company, helmed by CEO Jean Thompson and her daughter, Ellie Thompson, rebranded as Maeve, the name of an ancient Irish warrior queen. The chocolate and parent company remain the same, but the packaging is bolder and brighter than ever.

Bacovino Winery

Washington native Randy Brooks founded Tukwila-based Bacovino in 2019 with one goal: to turn Washington’s premier grapes into exceptional old-world-style wines that reflect the region’s beauty and heritage. While he sources all of his grapes from Washington vineyards, his process is modeled off of Old World wine-making.

"My style is more inspired by European wine-making, which differentiates us from a lot of other wineries that follow a more California style. The character is more complex, and the depth of the wine is bolder, but in a subtle way, not like a big punch in the face," Brooks told us.

While you can purchase the wine online, we highly recommend paying a visit to the Tukwila winery, which doubles as an elegant tasting room. There, you can sample various wines or even try a flight with the guidance of an expert staff member. You can also rent out the space for private events.

Pictured: Bacovino Winery in Tukwila has a tasting room where you can sample Washington wines and get advice from expert staff.
Credit: @PNWcompass Cameron Sienna Shugarts

Oppegaard Meadery

Local mead-maker Jon Oppegaard is the quintessential craftsman, driven by a sheer love of what he does. At his eponymous meadery, Oppegaard, he uses local honey, berries, and other natural ingredients to brew a wide variety of flavors. The resulting meads (many of which have fun, fantasy-inspired names like Dragon's Blood), have made the brand a cult favorite among mead enthusiasts far and wide. You can purchase them online or at the cozy, Nordic-style tasting room in Tukwila. We highly recommend ordering a flight to sample a few flavors!

Second Love Coffee Roasters

Long before Second Love Coffee Roasters opened its first brick-and-mortar cafe in Des Moines, Washington, it had built a reputation for selling its premium roasted beans online and to stores. Founders Philip Mendoza and Scott Braaten set themselves apart through their ethical sourcing and radical transparency. Each bag of beans comes with information about exactly where it's from and what the transaction costs were. It helps that their beans are also radically delicious.

d’Aigle Autoharps and Folk Instruments

Among folk musicians, Pete d’Aigle is something of a legendary figure. As the founder and owner of d’Aigle Autoharps and Folk Instruments in SeaTac, one of the only brick-and-mortar autoharp shops in existence, he is internationally renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and artistry. Musicians travel halfway across the world to visit his shop and place orders. In addition, the shop offers a selection of other instruments, including guitars and vintage mandolins. If you've ever wanted to try your hand at a folk instrument, a visit to this shop is well worth your time.

More Nationally Known Companies Based in Seattle Southside

The Krusteaz Company

You may know Krusteaz as the makers of “just add water” pancakes, but did you know that this famous brand is rooted in Seattle Southside? The Krusteaz Company (formerly Continental Mills) is a family-owned and operated business headquartered in Tukwila, Washington, with a large plant in Kent. It was founded in 1932 and has grown to national prominence over the last century, now producing more than 100 products. According to a press release, Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake mix is so popular that one box is sold every other second! And it all started here...

Sahale Snacks

The evergreen state is known for the great outdoors, so it makes sense that a couple of local outdoor enthusiasts came up with Sahale Snacks trail mix one day after climbing Mount Rainier. The Tukwila-based company has grown significantly since its founding in 2003, but its delicious hiking snacks have remained as tasty and nutritious as ever.

Alaska Airlines

You might think Alaska Airlines is headquartered in Alaska, but this U.S. airline is actually based in SeaTac, Washington. Founded nearly a century ago, in 1932, it now flies to more than 100 locations. Its parent company, Alaska Air Group, Inc., which also owns Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air, is also based in SeaTac. Aviation enthusiasts can visit The Alaska Airlines Company Store, located inside its HQ, which is just a few minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). There, you can pick up souvenirs, merchandise, and travel gear.

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