Festa do Vinho 2009 in Catas Altas, MG

9th Festa do Vinho

From May 15 to 17, 2009, the town of Catas Altas, in the Serra do Caraça, held the 9th edition of the Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival), one of the most traditional events in Minas Gerais. Organized by the Catas Altas town council, the celebration brought together culture, food, music and the unmistakable taste of jabuticaba wine, a symbol and intangible heritage of the town.

With shows by Oswaldo Montenegro, Alceu Valença and Guilherme Arantes, the 2009 edition stood out for its musical diversity and the infectious energy that filled Praça Monsenhor Mendes, in the town's historic center.

Tradition and Culture at the Foot of the Mountains

The Catas Altas Festa do Vinho is more than an event — it is a celebration of the origins of the town and its people. Since the 19th century, when growing jabuticaba trees replaced the old mining activities, artisanal wine has been a symbol of resilience and creativity.

The event was created to preserve this heritage and value the work of local producers, who for generations have kept alive the art of turning the fruit into a unique drink, known for its distinctive flavor and aroma.

Every year, the festival reaffirms the pride of Catas Altas, bringing together families, tourists and lovers of good music and Minas Gerais food in a stunning setting at the foot of the Serra do Caraça.

Program and Big Shows

The 2009 edition had a strong lineup of acclaimed Brazilian popular music artists, who attracted thousands of visitors over the weekend.

• Friday, May 15: the main stage opened with singer-songwriter Oswaldo Montenegro, known for his poetic lyrics and moving performances. His show opened the festival in an enchanting, introspective mood, with hits such as "A Lista", "Lua e Flor" and "Bandolins".

• Saturday, May 16: the night was pure energy with the irreverent Alceu Valença, who brought the rhythm and joy of Brazil's Northeast to rural Minas. To the sound of "Anunciação", "Tropicana" and "Belle de Jour", the crowd danced and sang along, turning Praça Monsenhor Mendes into a true festival ground.

• Sunday, May 17: to close the program, singer Guilherme Arantes moved the audience with a repertoire of hits that have marked generations. Songs such as "Planeta Água" and "Cheia de Charme" rounded off another memorable edition of the Festa do Vinho.

Besides the headliners, the festival featured regional artists, cultural workshops and the traditional Jabuticaba Wine Contest, which awarded the year's best local producers.

Jabuticaba Wine: Symbol and Heritage

Once again, the star of the event was jabuticaba wine, made by hand by Catas Altas families. Produced through traditional natural fermentation, the drink reflects the history and dedication of residents who have preserved the recipe and the care that goes into making it for decades.

During the event, visitors could taste different varieties of local wine and learn more about its history and cultural importance. The drink is recognized not only for its flavor but also as intangible heritage of Catas Altas — a symbol of unity, work and regional identity.

Tourism, Food and Community

Praça Monsenhor Mendes, with its superb view of the Serra do Caraça and the historic center, was the stage for a complete experience combining tourism, food and leisure.

Local bars, restaurants and exhibitors offered traditional dishes, handcrafted products and Minas Gerais treats that paired perfectly with jabuticaba wine. The combination of regional cuisine and music made the 2009 edition one of the most memorable in the event's history.

Community involvement was essential, with producers, artists and local merchants contributing to the festival's success and strengthening residents' sense of belonging and pride in their town.

Closing and Legacy of the 9th Edition

With large crowds, praised organization and a joyful atmosphere, the 2009 Festa do Vinho established itself as one of the biggest cultural celebrations in rural Minas Gerais.

The presence of big names in Brazilian music reinforced the event's importance on the Minas Gerais tourist calendar, while jabuticaba wine reaffirmed its role as a symbol of identity and tradition.

Once again, Catas Altas showed that it knows how to unite past and present in a single celebration — a toast to the culture, nature and work of its people.