What to do about fermentation when going to be out of town 1 night

[Rotundifolia]

We are going to be out of town one night and I won't be able to punch it down one night and one morning. Unfortunately, we recently moved and there is no one here that I know well enough or trust not to contaminate my wine. I have a batch of wine that is about 1/3 fermentation. Should I cover it with plastic wrap somewhat loosely to help keep some moisture on the surface or just keep the cotton sheet that I have to cover it?

 

[winemaker81]

Just cover it with a sheet or towel. One day is not going to be a problem.

 

[hdgypsyman]

I just had the same situation. I left Monday afternoon, but I made sure that I did a good punch down before I left. I got back Wednesday late morning and I made sure that I attended to my fermenting grapes and punched them down again shortly after arriving back home. All looked fine and the fermentation is chugging along happily.

 

[Rotundifolia]

Worked as a charm. Wine is still nicely fermenting. Thanks for the great advice.