For each plot or plot unit, a harvest window is planned according to the monitoring of maturities including analyses and tasting. A volume forecast is associated with these based on yield estimations. The plot's identity and its history must now be taken into account in order to adapt the winemaking styles that are appropriate depending on vat room availability.
The grape variety is important in determining the harvest order. Grape varieties have unique phenologies as well as growing and agronomic aptitudes and can have different maturation times. In the case where several grape varieties are grown at a vineyard, their respective ripening times are the first basis on which to establish the harvest order. It is defined in relation to a reference grape variety: Chasselas. For example, Merlot is earlier than Cabernet-Sauvignon. The Bordeaux vineyards therefore generally begin their harvest with Merlot. It is sometimes possible to see the end of the Merlot harvest overlapping with the beginning of the Cabernet-Sauvignon, depending on the vintage. This is therefore only one factor in the ripening time among others.
Sometimes, a goup of plots with similar soil profiles can be harvested and vinified together. This results in a more homogeneous batch for vinification with grapes with similar oenological properties. This requires detailed knowledge of each plot's characteristics and even intra-plot characteristics in order to divide the plots if necessary and blend the batches according to soil type.