Festa do Vinho 2007 in Catas Altas, MG

7th Festa do Vinho

On May 18, 19 and 20, 2007, the town of Catas Altas, in the Serra do Caraça, hosted the 7th edition of the Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival), one of the most eagerly awaited events on the town's cultural calendar and a symbol of its commitment to local tradition.

Held at Praça Monsenhor Mendes, the festival kept its focus on celebrating artisanal jabuticaba wine, made by families belonging to Aprovart (Association of Wine Producers and Family Farmers), and reaffirmed its role as one of the most authentic expressions of Catas Altas culture.

The event was organized by the Catas Altas town council, under mayor José Alves Parreira and deputy mayor Maurício Júlio Pereira, in partnership with Aprovart, chaired by Vanda Lúcia Gomes with Ana Maria Siqueira as vice-chair.

Tradition and Regional Growth

The 2007 Festa do Vinho kept its traditional three-day format, always held in May, when the mild weather and the scenery of the Serra do Caraça make the town even more welcoming.

Over the years the festival had gained more and more prominence and better facilities, attracting visitors from many towns in the Médio Piracicaba region and establishing Catas Altas as a leading cultural and tourist destination.

The 2007 edition had improved infrastructure, including a new main stage, covered tents, a larger social area and better lighting, ensuring more comfort and safety for the public.

These improvements showed the event's maturity: even as it grew in visibility and attendance, it kept the family and community spirit that had defined it since the first edition in 2001.

Music and Culture in the Spotlight

The music program of the 7th Festa do Vinho was one of the high points of the edition, bringing together artists known across Minas Gerais and Brazil, as well as regional talent that enriched the event's cultural offering.

The main acts included:

• "A Tribute to Chico Buarque", with Ricardo Nasser e Banda, moving the audience with classics by the Brazilian songwriter;

• Vander Lee, an acclaimed Minas Gerais singer-songwriter whose striking voice and poetic repertoire delighted visitors;

• Ricardo Upiano e Sambalanço, who brought rhythm, joy and the best of Minas Gerais samba to Praça Monsenhor Mendes;

• Banda Cais Urbano, with a young, contemporary sound representing the new generation of regional music.

The performances turned the square into a great open-air stage, where different musical styles — from MPB to samba and Minas Gerais pop — came together, reflecting the cultural diversity of the event.

The crowd joined in enthusiastically, reinforcing the sense of belonging and the connection between tradition and art that make the Festa do Vinho a unique celebration.

Best Jabuticaba Wine Contest

The traditional Best Jabuticaba Wine Contest, organized by Aprovart, was once again one of the highlights of the program.

Family producers from the region presented their best vintages, which were judged by a panel of technicians and local connoisseurs. The criteria included aroma, flavor, texture and balance — qualities that reflect each producer's care and dedication.

More than a contest, it symbolized the recognition of the artisanal work of Catas Altas families and the importance of jabuticaba wine as the town's cultural and economic heritage.

Each award-winning bottle represented the collective effort of generations who keep alive the tradition of handcrafted winemaking, passed down from parents to children over the years.

Organization and Local Partnerships

The 2007 edition demonstrated the strength of the partnership between local government and the community.

The Catas Altas town council coordinated the overall organization, while Aprovart liaised with producers and exhibitors. Rural associations, cultural organizations and local volunteers also helped with logistics, reception and visitor support.

This participatory approach ensured the festival's success, and it ran in an organized, welcoming way, keeping its tradition of being an event made by the people of Catas Altas, for the people of Catas Altas and their visitors.

Although there are no official attendance records, it is estimated that thousands of visitors passed through Praça Monsenhor Mendes during the three days, confirming the growth and consolidation of the Festa do Vinho as one of the biggest cultural events in the region.

Legacy of the 7th Edition

The 2007 Festa do Vinho symbolized the maturity of a tradition that, year after year, continues to strengthen the identity of Catas Altas.

With Vander Lee, Ricardo Nasser, Ricardo Upiano and Cais Urbano, the music program reached a high artistic level, balancing local talent with statewide renown.

Jabuticaba wine, as always, was the star — the link between past and present, a symbol of the work, faith and culture of a people who celebrate their history with pride and emotion.

More than a festival, the 2007 edition was a tribute to Minas Gerais culture, to the dedication of the producers and to the hospitality of Catas Altas, which year after year toasts its identity with the unique flavor of the artisanal wine of the Serra do Caraça.