The viticultural history of the Lake Michigan Shore region dates back to the mid-19th century, with the first grapevines planted in the 1860s. By the early 20th century, the region had established itself with a substantial amount of land under vine. However, in the 1920s, Prohibition caused many growers to pivot to grape juice production until the law's eventual repeal in 1933. Following Prohibition, there was a resurgence in winemaking activities, and the area continued to develop its reputation for quality grape production, evolving from predominantly sweet wines to a diverse region of many styles.

In 1983, the Lake Michigan Shore was designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), recognizing its unique climate and geographical features ideal for viticulture. This designation followed the establishment of the Fennville AVA in 1981, which is entirely contained within the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. The AVA extends from the Kalamazoo River in the north, stretching approximately 45 miles inland, down to the Michigan-Indiana state line, and then back west to Lake Michigan.

Today, the Lake Michigan Shore AVA plays a crucial role in the state's wine industry, with Michigan being the fourth largest grape-growing state in the United States. The AVA accounts for nearly 90% of the state's vineyards. The region's unique climate, influenced by the lake effect from Lake Michigan, allows for an extended growing season and the cultivation of a diverse range of grape varieties, including hybrid varieties, American grapes, and European vinifera, usually poorly suited to cold climates.

Economically, the wine industry, largely driven by the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, has a substantial impact on the state. Wine generates revenue estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually. This economic contribution is bolstered by wine-related tourism, which attracts over 1.7 million visitors annually to Michigan wineries, resulting in $253 million in tourism expenditures. This influx of tourists boosts the local economy and supports related sectors such as hospitality, retail, and food services. As of 2017, the industry provided 47,299 jobs, pays $1.8 billion in annual wages, and contributes $853.6 million in annual taxes. The total economic impact of the wine industry in Michigan is $5.4 billion, with wineries producing 2.75 million gallons of wine annually. Additionally, the industry contributes $13.5 million in charitable donations.

Lake Michigan Shore is traditionally a fruit-production area, with a significant portion of the grape vines in the AVA intended for table juice and jellies rather than wine. The majority of the acreage is planted with varieties such as Concord and Niagara. However, the wine-grape output is sufficient to supply a growing number of wineries, located primarily along Lake Michigan's eastern shores. These wineries grow Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir, and many more vinifera varieties as well as hybrids such as Chambourcin and Traminette.

The AVA covers nearly 1.3 million acres (526,000 hectares) of low, rolling hills on the southeast edge of Lake Michigan, extending inland for around 45 miles (70 kilometers). The northern boundary of the AVA is marked by the Kalamazoo River, and the southern edge runs along the state border with Indiana.

The region benefits from the lake effect, where Lake Michigan acts as a temperature moderator throughout the year, making the area suitable for viticulture despite its northerly latitude. In spring, winds from the chilled lake delay bud burst until after the greatest frost risks have passed, and in summer, the water warms, extending the fall growing season with warm air from the lake. In winter, at least in years past, heavy snow sometimes covers the vines and protects them against ground freezes. The growing season in Lake Michigan Shore is often several weeks longer than in Michigan's more northern AVAs, such as Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula.

The topography of Lake Michigan Shore, shaped by glacial movement, features sandy slopes and hills made up of glacial moraine. These provide a free-draining, deep base for the vines, allowing for strong root systems and good air drainage, which helps reduce frost damage.

Culturally, the Lake Michigan Shore AVA has become a symbol of Michigan's rich agricultural heritage and its evolving focus on quality production that rivals that of Europe, New York, and California. The AVA is home to numerous small, family-run wineries that produce a wide array of wines, demonstrating the region's versatility and quality. Events such as wine festivals and organizations like the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail and Michigan Craft Beverage Council further promote the region, drawing wine enthusiasts from across the country and enhancing the area's reputation as a premier wine destination.