In Conversation with Carrie VIK, co-founder of VIK Winery and VIK Retreat:

VIK Winery & Retreat was conceived as a holistic project—where architecture, landscape, art, and wine are inseparable. At what point did lighting become an integral part of that vision for you?

Carrie Vik: From the very beginning, Alex and I knew that if VIK was going to be truly holistic, every element had to speak the same language—including light. It was never something we thought of as a finishing touch. Light shapes how everything is perceived, how a space feels. As the project evolved, it became clear that light was essential to connecting the emotional experience of the spaces with the natural beauty of Millahue—revealing what was already there, rather than imposing something on top of it. Allowing each moment to feel intentional and alive.

You collaborated closely with Hervé Descottes and his team at L’Observatoire International. What stood out most to you about their approach to light across such diverse spaces?

CV: What struck me most was Hervé's extraordinary sensitivity. He and his team treat light almost like a living material—something that breathes with the architecture and the landscape. They don't just illuminate; they interpret. Every space, whether in the winery or the hotel, was approached with real respect for its purpose and atmosphere. There's a restraint to their work that lets the experience feel natural rather than designed.

How did you approach the balance between natural and artificial light in shaping both the winemaking process and the overall visitor experience?

CV: For us, natural light was always the starting point. The winery was designed to be transparent end to end, with a translucent fabric roof that lets light flood the space and brings the rhythm of the day inside. Artificial light then becomes a complement—never competing, just enhancing what's already there. In the production areas it supports precision; in the guest spaces it creates warmth and intimacy. When it's done right, it feels completely effortless.

In more intimate spaces—such as the barrel room or tasting areas, where sensory perception is heightened—how does lighting influence the way people experience, taste, and ultimately remember the wine?

CV: Lighting really does shape perception. In those more intimate spaces, we wanted to create a sense of stillness — somewhere guests could slow down and truly connect with our VIK wines. Softer, more nuanced light does that naturally. It invites a deeper awareness of aromas, texture, emotion. Light becomes part of the tasting itself, quietly shaping the memory of it. Hervé and his team have an extraordinary ability to work with light in its most natural expression, the result feels effortless, yet deeply intentional.

What makes this collaboration unique, and how does it continue to inspire your work today?

Hervé Descottes: This is the perfect example of a great relationship between a client like the Vik who has a perfect vision about the expectation regarding their entire project from the design of the architecture to the emotional feeling that they would like to share with their guests in the interior but also the exterior of their projects. We have been working closely at every design level with Carrie and Alex to create an incredible experience from the guest rooms to the public spaces. The lighting plays a very important role in all their projects and as we have been working together for more than 10 years already we do understand each other extremely well on the goals we would like to achieve and create the perfect mood on each of their properties.