Festa do Vinho 2002 in Catas Altas, MG

2nd Festa do Vinho

In May 2002, the town of Catas Altas, at the foot of the Serra do Caraça, held the 2nd edition of the Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival), continuing a celebration that was already emerging as one of the most authentic cultural events in Minas Gerais.

The event took place from May 17 to 19 at the traditional Praça Monsenhor Mendes and kept its focus on artisanal jabuticaba wine, a symbol of local identity and a heritage passed down through generations.

Organized by the Catas Altas town council in partnership with Aprovart (Association of Wine Producers and Family Farmers), the second edition was an important step in establishing the festival as a landmark on the town's cultural calendar and a tribute to the way of life of the people of Catas Altas.

Establishing a Tradition

The 2002 Festa do Vinho followed the successful format of the first edition, bringing together local producers, visitors and regional artists in a welcoming, community atmosphere.

The main goal of the event was to showcase artisanal jabuticaba wine and strengthen the bond between producers and the public, reaffirming the role of Aprovart as an essential association for family farming and the town's winemaking tradition.

With the support of the town council and the community, the festival's facilities grew modestly but significantly, offering more comfort to visitors and more visibility to producers. The square was decorated with standardized stalls and a main stage, creating a simple setting full of charm and meaning.

Music and Culture

The program of the 2nd Catas Altas Festa do Vinho highlighted performances by local and regional artists, who set the cultural and festive tone of the event.

The main acts included Seresta ao Pé da Serra, a music group from Catas Altas, and the bands Cheb and Magia, who livened up the festival nights with varied repertoires and energetic performances that got the audience involved.

These shows reinforced the community character of the celebration and helped establish the event as a space for regional art and music. The cheerful atmosphere and residents' involvement made the festival a true meeting of tradition, talent and cultural identity.

Strengthening Aprovart and the Community

One of the most important aspects of the 2002 edition was the strengthening of Aprovart, founded a year earlier to unite artisanal wine producers and encourage cooperation among local families.

The association's active role in organizing the festival reinforced the producers' commitment to quality and to promoting jabuticaba wine, which was beginning to be recognized as intangible heritage of Catas Altas.

The joint work of Aprovart, the town council and the community showed that the event was not just a party but also an opportunity to promote the town's economic and cultural development.

Legacy of the 2nd Edition

The 2002 Festa do Vinho was a milestone of consolidation. If the first edition in 2001 had started a tradition, the second confirmed the event's potential and the strength of the partnership between producers, artists and residents.

With simplicity, authenticity and enthusiasm, Catas Altas showed that artisanal jabuticaba wine was much more than a drink — it was a living expression of the culture, work and identity of its people.

From 2002 on, the Festa do Vinho became a fixed event on the town's calendar, keeping the family and community spirit that would make it, over the years, one of the most beloved cultural celebrations in Minas Gerais.