Festa do Vinho 2018 in Catas Altas, MG

18th Festa do Vinho

From May 18 to 20, 2018, Catas Altas celebrated the 18th edition of the Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival), one of the most traditional and eagerly awaited events in the Serra do Caraça. With the spotlight on artisanal jabuticaba wine, a symbol and cultural heritage of the town, the festival was a real success, drawing thousands of visitors to three days of music, food and celebration.

Organized by the Catas Altas town council in partnership with Aprovart (Association of Wine Producers and Family Farmers), the 2018 edition reinforced the town's role as a reference in cultural, food and wine tourism, combining tradition, innovation and big musical acts.

Opening and First Chords

Friday, May 18, marked the start of the celebration with the Orquestra Ouro Preto, performing in Catas Altas for the first time. The orchestra enchanted the audience by bringing classical and popular music together in a show inspired by the musical career of the Beatles.

The performance, combining a rock band and a string orchestra, featured classics such as Day Tripper, Yesterday, Help, Eleanor Rigby, Something and Hey Jude, in a fusion of sound that moved the audience.

Next, singer Zé Geraldo took the stage and delighted the crowd with songs from his career, including Cidadão, Senhorita, Dando Milho aos Pombos and Quatro Cantos da Saudade. The night ended to applause and the feeling that this edition would be one of the most memorable in the event's history.

The opening also included the traditional Wine Princesses sash ceremony. The winners were Karen Alves Santos Quintão (1st place), Tamires La Belle (2nd) and Paula Leonara (3rd).

A Saturday of Music and Emotion

Saturday, May 19, was full of shows and cultural activities at Praça Monsenhor Mendes, which became a great stage for celebration. Performances began in the afternoon with Daniel Dejero, Patrícia Rosa and Lili Band, who warmed up the crowd for the night's headliner.

Closing the day, singer Roberta Campos presented her show "Todo Caminho é Sorte", with hits such as Minha Felicidade (theme of the soap opera Sol Nascente), Abrigo and De Janeiro a Janeiro. With her gentle voice and strong presence, Roberta moved the audience and kept the enchanting, romantic mood that is a trademark of the Festa do Vinho.

The traditional Best Jabuticaba Wine of Catas Altas Contest also took place during the event, judging the wines made by Aprovart members and recognizing the effort and dedication of those who keep this century-old tradition alive.

A Sunday of Culture and Grand Closing Concerts

Sunday, May 20, began with a capoeira circle, symbolizing the cultural diversity of the festival. In the afternoon, the stage hosted Gláucio Barbosa e Banda and Khadhu Capanema, keeping the crowd going until early evening.

The artistic finale featured two great instrumental acts: the Fractal Orchestra, with the concert "Música de Grandes Brasileiros" (Music of Great Brazilians), and Rockin' Strings, with the show "Clássicos do Rock" (Rock Classics).

The 12-member Fractal Orchestra moved the audience with instrumental versions of works by Milton Nascimento, Clube da Esquina, Elis Regina, Titãs, Gilberto Gil, Nando Reis, Legião Urbana and other icons of Brazilian music. Rockin' Strings, with violin, viola, cello and drums, gave a vibrant performance mixing classical and rock in new versions of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Nirvana and Deep Purple.

At the official closing, the winners of the wine contest were announced:
🥇 Geraldo Oliveira – 1st place
🥈 Luzia Batista – 2nd place
🥉 Neli de Souza – 3rd place

The audience gave the producers and artists a standing ovation, celebrating the success of another edition full of culture and emotion.

Jabuticaba Wine: A Transforming Tradition

Once again, artisanal jabuticaba wine was the star of the festival. Made with techniques dating back to the 19th century, the drink represents the legacy of past generations and the essence of the Catas Altas community.

During the event, visitors could taste different versions of the wine and learn more about how it is made, from fermentation to bottling. It is a symbol of Minas Gerais creativity, resilience and cultural identity, and its recognition grows with every edition.

Legacy of the 18th Edition

The 2018 Festa do Vinho reaffirmed the role of Catas Altas as one of the most charming cultural and tourist centers in Minas Gerais. With a program combining music, history, food and tradition, the town showed once again that it knows how to celebrate its roots with elegance and hospitality.

The event was organized by the Catas Altas town council in partnership with Aprovart, with cultural support from Vale and Transamérica, drawing large crowds and strengthening regional tourism.

More than a festival, the 2018 edition was a toast to the culture, art and flavor of Minas Gerais — a true meeting of past and present at the foot of the Serra do Caraça.