The contest is believed to have a fan-base of nearly 1,000, who enthusiastically cheer on the contestants.

Now in its eighth year, the event attracts Yolo County’s most vocally talented, with a total prize potential of $400.

“Each and every year I continue to be amazed and delighted at the talent we have right here in Yolo County,” said Yolo County Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg, who will Emcee the event for the fifth year in a row. “This show is always great entertainment.”

“Yolo Idol Search” is for solo singers only and is a Karaoke competition. Each contestant must be prepared with two songs, because the winner will be expected to perform an encore. Each contestant must provide instrumental accompaniment with their application for both songs on CD. No live musical instruments or voices, including backing vocals, are allowed.

Open to singers in Yolo County, the first 20 people to submit an application will be guaranteed a performance spot. Later applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order their applications are received.

Participants will be judged by a panel on vocal quality, performance quality, stage presence, appropriateness of the song selection, and appearance.

“There are many vocally talented people in Yolo County, and we want to showcase their talents at the Yolo County Fair,” said Yolo County Fair CEO Rita Moore.

While there is no entry fee, there is prize money to be had. First place will win $250; second will receive $100 and third $50.

Fans will have a great time enjoying the contest as they speculate with anticipation to whom 2010 winner Cristina Pellegiro will pass on her crown. The then-16 year old earned her title with her rendition of Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

Pellegiro joins a growing list of talented winners, and participants, alike. The first “Yolo Idol Search” winner was Christine Trono in 2004, a then-nine year old from Woodland.

She was followed in 2005 by West Sacramento’s Alincia Vela for “I Will Survive.” Vela went on to compete and win the “Northern California Idol Search” the same year, winning a $2,500 purse. She continues to play in a multilingual band, “Alincia and the Bandevelas,” led by her father, Junior.

Katelyn Hill of Winters, then 17, won in 2006 with Aretha Franklin’s classic, “Chain of Fools,” followed by Woodlander Angel Alvarez in 2007 for Elvis’s “Teddy Bear.”

Bri Wilson took the crown in 2008 with her delivery of Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why,” 2009 victor Kayla Sheehan scored with “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables,” and of course the reigning “Idol,” Cristina Pellegiro will pass on her crown this year.

Steve Graham and Mike Taylor, from left, assess the qualities of wine at the Yolo County Fair. (Elizabeth Kalfsbeek/Courtesy) Oak. Blackberry. Acidic. Fruity. Cherry. Brine.

Such were some of the reflections Tuesday morning when a panel of five Nugget Market wine stewards donated their time to judge 40 entries from 12 home winemakers in the 11th Annual Yolo County Fair Amateur Wine Competition, which will be on display tonight in the Ag Business Building, and throughout the fair. Attendees of this evening’s Ag Gala will have a sneak peek at the winners.

“This year, the quality of the wine is better than ever and we’re bigger than ever,” said Dirk Brazil, Amateur Wine Competition founder, of the number of entries received. “There’s a lot of talent out there and it takes a lot to put it out on the line like that (for professional feedback).”

Davis resident Hibbard Williams earned 2011′s most prestigious honor, Best of Show, for his 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Williams also earned a First Place ribbon for the same wine in the “Cabernet” category.

Other first place winners include Danyal Kasapligil, also of Davis, for his 2010 Sauvignon Blanc as well as for his 2010 Chardonnay, in their respective categories of the same name. David Gilmer’s 2008 Petite Syrah won in the “Other Red Wine” category, while Chip Sundstrom’s 2008 Syrah earned a title in the “Syrah” category. Both men are from Davis.

James McCully, of Vacaville, shined in the “Other White Wine” category for his gewurztraminer, and West Sacramento’s Robert Gould won for his 2010 Zinfandel in the “Zinfandel” category.

Last year, McCully earned top billing with his cabernet sauvignon, and Kasapligil took home awards in the “other whites” category, syrah, traditional sauvignon blanc and was featured as “Best of Show” for his syrah.

“The key is always balance; nothing should be out of whack,” said wine judge Mike Taylor.

Hank Beal, Steve Graham, Sean McNerney and Shannon Rock rounded out the judging panel, who brought with them experience in wine even prior to working at the Nugget.

The judging panel used the UC Davis 20-point scale, an industry standard, with categories for appearance, color, aroma and bouquet, acescent, total acid, sugar, body, flavor, astringency and general quality.

But, according to Rock, what they are especially looking for in the “amateur” bottles is, “is it drinkable?”

“With the price of commercial wine, (people are) often looking for more complexities, and here we’re looking at, ‘is this an enjoyable wine?’” said Graham.

Brazil, who is also Yolo County’s deputy administrator, began making his own small batches of wine, mostly zinfandel, 20 years ago. He founded the Yolo County Fair Amateur Wine Competition a decade ago to provide a venue for people who want to do something with their homemade wine, whether it be receiving feedback from professionals, or appealing to the competitive side. The home winemakers receive judging notes when they receive their ribbons.

“The judges know these are home wine makers and not professionals,” Brazil said in a previous interview. “The bar is kept at a level I think is very fair to the home winemaker and they look for ‘this is something I’d like to drink’ versus ‘this is something I’d like to sell.’”

Classes included: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, other white wines and other red wines. Awards include first, second and third places, honorable mention and “Best of Show.”

As in years past, the majority of the entries were red wines, as white wines are more difficult to produce at home, taking into account temperature control. Only one year since the competition began has a white wine won “Best of Show” – a chardonnay.

The judges noticed the quality of the wines are getting much better over the years, which may be due to the crafters starting with better raw materials, or grapes, or perhaps taking more care in the sanitation process, which can affect oxidation. They also saw colors across the board were much improved, a lot less brown.

“It’s good to taste anything and everything and to have a reference point to what is out there,” Taylor said of taking the time to evaluate the competitors.

Judge Beal suggested the same advice for aspiring, or practicing, home winemakers.

“Taste a bunch of wines so you have a reference of what your varietal should taste like,” he said.

Start with the best fruit, and provide minimal intervention, Taylor added, while Graham suggested home winemakers focus on making the types of wine they love, rather than just “making wine.”

People interested in competing in next year’s competition are encouraged to provide their contact information on a sign-up sheet in the Ag Business Building at the Yolo County Fair. Entries are accepted from Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties and an “amateur” is considered a person who does not work in, or own, a commercial winery.

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According to fair officials:

Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Adult Exhibitors’ Entries: Clothing & Textile, Preserved Foods will be received at the Home Arts Building; Arts, Crafts and Photography will be received at Waite Hall.

Junior Exhibitors’ Entries: Junior Exhibits for Clothing, Arts, Crafts & Photography and Miscellaneous Department will be received at John Rogers Hall.

Monday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Adult Exhibitors’ Entries: Baked Foods will be received at Home Arts Building. Agriculture and Horticulture will be received at North Door of Ag-Business Building

Junior Exhibitors’ Entries: Baked Foods, Canned Foods, Agriculture and Horticulture & Potted Plants will be received at John Rogers Hall from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Floriculture Department

Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Adults Exhibitors’ Potted Plants will be received in the flower house.

Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 8 to 9:45 a.m.

Adult and Junior Arrangements will be received in the Flower House.

Thursday, Aug. 18, 7 to 10:30 a.m.

Adult Cut Flowers will be received in the Flower House

Saturday, Aug. 20, received in Flower House

Adult Cut Flowers will be received from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Adult and Junior Arrangements will be received from 8 to 9:45 a.m.

The competition is open to home wine makers from Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties over the age of 21, and the deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 12.

According to the fair guidelines, an “amateur” is considered a person who does not work in, or own, a commercial winery. Entry numbers have stayed consistent over the years, around 12 to 15 home winemakers, with 32 bottles last year.

“As a home winemaker myself, and as a fan of small fairs like the Yolo County Fair, I thought (the amateur wine competition) would be a neat thing to add to this fair,” said Dirk Brazil who founded the event. Brazil began making his own small batches of wine more than two decades ago, mostly zinfandels. He is also Yolo County’s Deputy Administrator.

Three Nugget Market wine stewards judge the entries using the UC Davis 20-point scale, an industry standard, with categories for appearance, aroma and bouquet, astringency, body, color, flavor, general quality, sugar and total acid.

“The Nugget wine stewards have been the lynchpin of this event for the last eight years,” Brazil said. “We couldn’t do it without them. They’re terrific.”

Classes include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, other white wines and other red wines. Awards include first, second and third places, honorable mention and “Best of Show.” Last year, Danyal Kasapligil of Davis earned the “Best of Show” award for his Petit Syrah.

“The judges know these are home wine makers and not professionals,” Brazil said.

While trends change each year, according to Brazil a usual constant is seeing about a five to one ratio of red to white wine entries. White wines, he said, are more difficult and delicate for a home winemaker to create. He’s also noticed an increase in using different red grape varietals to make a blended wine than a straight Cabernet, for instance.

“The scoring illustrates that there are some really good wines in the competition,” Brazil said. “It also shows there are some winemakers who need improvement. Ultimately, what the home winemaker is looking for is not selling the product for $40 a bottle, but for someone to open it and say, ‘wow. This is good!’”

For additional information, or to place an entry, contact Dirk Brazil at dbzin@aol.com or call 219-5930.

Open to singers residing in Yolo County, the Yolo Idol event will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18, on the West Stage next to the Rotary Park picnic area. The event attracts more than 1,000 fans annually.

Yolo County Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg will return for his fourth year as Emcee of the show.

“Each and every year I continue to be amazed and delighted at the talent we have right here in Yolo County,” Rosenberg said. “This show is always great entertainment.”

“There are many vocally talented people in Yolo County, and we want to showcase their talents at the Yolo County Fair,” said Yolo County Fair CEO Rita Moore.

Yolo Idol Search is a Karaoke contest and is for individual singers only. Each participant must provide instrumental accompaniment on CD without voices. Each performer must be prepared to sing two songs.

“We want each singer prepared with at least two songs, because the winner will be expected to perform an encore,” Moore said.

First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected by the judges, with the first- place contestant receiving a $250 prize and the second- and third-place contestants taking home $100 and $50 respectively. Judging will be based on vocal quality, performance quality, stage presence, appropriateness of the song selection and appearance.

While there is no entry fee, there are a few rules.

Each singer must pre-register at the fair office, 1125 East St., Woodland. Entry and release for minors forms may be obtained on the Yolo Idol website at YoloIdol.com.

Residents of Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yuba and Yolo counties are reminded that entry forms are due at the Fair Office or in the mail by Friday, Aug. 5.

Entries are due for Adult and Junior Agriculture/Horticulture/Floriculture.

Catalogs are available at the Fair Office and online at yolocountyfair.net

Entry department hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Fair Office, 1125 East St., Woodland. People can also mail entry forms in also.

People who want any further information, can call the entry department at 402-2205

The competition is open to home wine makers from Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties over the age of 21, and the deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 12.

According to the fair guidelines, an “amateur” is considered a person who does not work in, or own, a commercial winery. Entry numbers have stayed consistent over the years, around 12 to 15 home winemakers, with 32 bottles last year.

“As a home winemaker myself, and as a fan of small fairs like the Yolo County Fair, I thought (the amateur wine competition) would be a neat thing to add to this fair,” said Dirk Brazil who founded the event. Brazil began making his own small batches of wine more than two decades ago, mostly zinfandels. He is also Yolo County’s Deputy Administrator.

“I knew lots of wine makers around who had a competitive streak who wanted their wine judged,” Brazil said. “We have judges who go out of their way to give detailed comments so the winemakers can improve their wine. (The home winemakers) are looking for critical analysis of their wine and that’s what they get. So whether they win or not, they still get three wine judges to comment on their wine.”

Three Nugget Market wine stewards judge the entries using the UC Davis 20-point scale, an industry standard, with categories for appearance, aroma and bouquet, astringency, body, color, flavor,

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general quality, sugar and total acid.

“The Nugget wine stewards have been the lynchpin of this event for the last eight years,” Brazil said. “We couldn’t do it without them. They’re terrific.”

Classes include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, other white wines and other red wines. Awards include first, second and third places, honorable mention and “Best of Show.” Last year, Danyal Kasapligil of Davis earned the “Best of Show” award for his Petit Syrah.

“The judges know these are home wine makers and not professionals,” Brazil said. “The bar is kept at a level I think is very fair to the home winemaker and they look for ‘this is something I’d like to drink’ versus ‘this is something I’d like to sell.’”

While trends change each year, according to Brazil a usual constant is seeing about a five to one ratio of red to white wine entries. White wines, he said, are more difficult and delicate for a home winemaker to create. He’s also noticed an increase in using different red grape varietals to make a blended wine than a straight Cabernet, for instance.

For additional information, or to place an entry, contact Dirk Brazil at dbzin@aol.com or call 219-5930.

The opening night of the fair, the Ag building is turned into a social hub for 2 hours. Attendees will be sampling Yolo County’s Bounty of local wines, olive oils, nuts, produce and restaurant fare while socializing and being serenaded by local musicians.

Tickets are on sale for $10 in advance at the Capay Valley Vision/Esparto Chamber office in downtown Esparto and at the Yolo County Fair office or $15 at the door.

For more information contact 787-3353 or the fair office at 402-2222.

New this year prior to the opening of the event we will be inviting the buyers from the food industry including restaurants, hospitals, farm to school, farm stands and grocery stores to come and meet the growers/producers and sample the local harvests and taste the difference local makes.

Reserve your place by calling 787-3353.

Open to singers residing in Yolo County, the Yolo Idol event will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18, on the West Stage next to the Rotary Park picnic area. The event attracts more than 1,000 fans annually.

Yolo County Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg will return for his fourth year as Emcee of the show.

“Each and every year I continue to be amazed and delighted at the talent we have right here in Yolo County,” said Rosenberg. “This show is always great entertainment.”

“There are many vocally talented people in Yolo County, and we want to showcase their talents at the Yolo County Fair,” said Yolo County Fair CEO Rita Moore.

Yolo Idol Search is a Karaoke contest and is for individual singers only. Each participant must provide instrumental accompaniment on CD without voices. Each performer must be prepared to sing two songs.

“We want each singer prepared with at least two songs, because the winner will be expected to perform an encore,” Moore said.

First, second and third place winners will be selected by the judges, with the first place contestant receiving a $250 prize and the second and third place contestants taking home $100 and $50 respectively. Judging will be based on Vocal Quality, Performance Quality, Stage Presence, Appropriateness of the Song Selection and Appearance.

While there is no entry fee, there are a few rules. Each

singer must pre-register at the Fair Office, 1125 East St., Woodland. Entry and Release for Minors forms may be obtained on the Yolo Idol website www.YoloIdol.com, or by emailing entertainment@yolocountyfair.net or at the Fair Office.

Due to time limitations, registrations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 20 contestants to sign up will be able to participate. If more than 20 entries are received, they will be placed on a waiting list in the order the applications are received

While Fox Television’s popular American Idol may have inspired this local talent search, Yolo Idol Search is in no way affiliated with American Idol.

The Yolo Idol Search is a free admission event at the Yolo County Fair, which is the largest free admission fair in the state of California. The 2011 Yolo County Fair runs from the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 17 through Sunday, Aug. 21.

For more information, contact the Fair Office at 402-2222 or e-mail entertainment@yolocountyfair.net.