A SERS-active structure is disclosed that includes a substrate and at least two nanowires disposed on the substrate. Each of the at least two nanowires has a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the substrate and the second end having a SERS-active tip. A SERS system is also disclosed that includes a SERS-active structure. Also disclosed are methods for forming a SERS-active structure and methods for performing SERS with SERS-active structures.