Functionalized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were attached to the surface of Au nanowire (NW). Analysis of optical absorption spectra disclosed surface plasmon bands of Au NWs at 562 and 627 nm and showing an overlap with the QD absorption band. Micro Raman spectra (lambda(ex) = 514 nm) of the QDs/Au single NW exhibited surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) peaks at 180, 205, and 277 cm(-1), corresponding to surface, longitudinal, and transverse optical phonon modes, respectively. From time-resolved fluorescence spectra, the exciton lifetime of QDs decreased after hybridization with Au NW due to the energy transfer, supporting the SERS effect. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4788926]