Alcohol in small amounts increases libido. It also makes a person hungry and flushed. This is because ethanol stimulates a primitive part of the brain, the hypothalamus, which is located just above the brain stem. This part of the brain regulates basic human functions such as body temperature, hunger, hormone levels, parental bonding and of course, sexual impulse. You just need a little wine to feel these effects. Amines are organic compounds found in wine in very small amounts. Some of the most common amines in red wine are histamine, tyramine, spermidine, putrescin, and serotonin. Histamine correlates with increased sex drive, alertness, and weight loss. It is positive as a stimulant when consumed in small amounts.