Hot on the heels of #WAMerlot on Twitter comes a cool event called Merlot Gone Mad on May 2 at Tulalip Casino. So far, about 50 wineries will be pouring, and there also are seminars with vintners and growers that will focus on Merlot from different Washington state AVAs. So this is both a fun and educational event that promises a great time.

Unfortunately, Merlot Gone Mad is being held on the same date as Walla Walla Spring Barrel weekend, so a few key Washington wineries will not be at Tulalip.

But on the bright side, Tulalip chefs will be offering Merlot-friendly food, and if you visit the Taste of Tulalip booth, you will receive a voucher for up to $100 in free casino play. How cool is that?

Tickets are $45 per person, or $70 per person with round trip transportation from Seattle and Bellvue (limited seats available), if you don’t want to make the 45-minute drive each way. What a terrific idea.

For more information, including an updated list of which wineries are pouring, check out the Merlot Gone Mad website. And don’t you love the logo?

Cheers!