According to my wine map of France there are 17 wine growing regions and around 700 "brands". The chances are that no one is familiar with them all but it is highly likely that there will be something that appeals to you. 
When you visit a wine growing area you can get a feeling for the conditions - the climate and, if you are a bit of a pseud, the soil - that give the local wine its qualities. If you eat in local restaurants you can see which producers are on the wine list and what kind of food might traditionally be matched with their product. And you can meet the wine growers themselves.
All you have to do is knock on the door and say "Dégustation?" It really is as simple as that.
To find out how I fund my wine buying habit check out my other website crowknows.co.uk