The Taste From the Mountains Award Reception culminates with the announcement of the winner and presentation of awards. The Pioneer Award, established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to fostering and forwarding tourism in West Virginia, is also presented. 

The 2010 awardee was Rod Stoner.
The 2009 awardee was First Lady Gayle Manchin.
The 2008 awardee was Governor Gaston Caperton.