What is harder, making wine or family? Today we tell the incredible story of Beau Frères, a pioneer in American Pinot Noir. When Michael G. Etzel and his brother in law Robert Parker jr. (yes, that Robert Parker) found an old pig farm in Oregon, they had a hunch there might be something there. Today Beau Frères Vineyard is a staple of wine collectors and great restaurants, but it wasn't easy.